Apply now »

Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme

in Information Technology

 

Applications deadline: 15.03.2025

 

 

 

Are you a young, aspiring professional interested in the world of intellectual property and looking for your first employment experience?

 

We are looking for young professionals to join the EPO’s Pan-European Seal Young Professionals Programme in September 2025. Young professionals will work at one of the EPO's sites in Munich, The Hague, Vienna, Berlin or Brussels.

 

The programme aims to spot talent early in Europe's brightest and highest-achieving graduates. 

In the IT area there are several departments offering various professional development opportunities and unique experience. Below you will find a summary of what is in for you.

 

Depending on the department, your role may involve contributing to cloud-native engineering and architecture by supporting IT strategy, applications, and technical standards in a dynamic environment. Alternatively, you could collaborate with Data Science on AI applications, assisting with data preparation and model evaluation for patent processes. You might support user experience design by enhancing the usability of components and frameworks across various EPO projects. Additionally, you could assist in IT cooperation by implementing new search tools and data applications or contribute to the global deployment of advanced patent tools. Other opportunities include optimizing site functionalities and contributing to AI-driven online publications in Web Solutions. You may also provide operational support for Finance Tech tools like SAP S/4HANA and Ivalua or assist in data protection assessments and audits. Furthermore, you could help with sustainability initiatives and ICT reporting for environmental certifications. Finally, you might contribute to the digital implementation of training activities and support digital examination platforms.

 

For a full list of departments that offer a seat for a young professional, including their description and the young professionals’ projects, please click here. You can express a preference for one of the listed departments in your application. 

 

 

With us you will:

  • Enjoy a year-long paid programme in a field of interest – with the possibility to apply for additional two years on the programme
  • Benefit from a tailored training and development programme covering IP‑specific matters, language learning and career guidance
  • Learn on the job, supported by a tutor and experienced colleagues
  • Work with inspiring people from a variety of cultures
  • Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic and innovative environment
  • Feel empowered to grow in your role and take on responsibilities
  • Be among the first to see the latest inventions


Apply if you meet the following programme requirements:

 

We look for talented graduates who possess strong organisational, communication, and prioritisation skills, demonstrate problem-solving abilities, and uphold confidentiality. You should also thrive in a collaborative environment and enjoy working as part of a team.


Learn more about the programme


Application process:

  • Application deadline: 15 March 2025
  • Online interviews: April and May 2025
  • Results announced: by the end of June 2025
  • Programme start date: 15 September 2025

 

Please note that you may only apply for one area of the programme (e.g. Economics and Finance or Law), and should indicate your preferred department within that area in your application. However, this does not mean that you cannot be considered for other areas or departments. If a suitable candidate is not found for a particular department, applicants who preferred a different department or applied to another area may also be contacted.

 

Key information:

Net (basic) monthly salary*: approx. EUR 2 300
Duration of appointment: one year (full-time)

Location: Office-wide

 

*average across sites, net amount after deduction of EPO-internal tax and after deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes

We welcome all applications for vacant positions. We consider each on its professional merits – regardless of your nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion or belief.

Six reasons to join us
✓ Experience unique on-the-job learning
✓ Benefit from a targeted personal development plan
✓ Enjoy a tailored employment package
✓ Get mentoring and guidance
✓ Join a great multicultural community
✓ Work on global pressing challenges

Who we are
We are the patent office for Europe. We are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

Our vision
We will empower and motivate our staff to set worldwide standards in intellectual property. Our Office will be effective and transparent, respond to the needs of our users and be agile in managing the changing demands and conditions of a dynamic global patent system. Our work will contribute to a safer, smarter and more sustainable world.

Our values
All our relationships within our Office and with partners around the world will prosper through trust, fairness, mutual respect, adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

Our work environment
We believe that diversity is fundamental to our success. Our inclusive work environment respects, values and celebrates our individual differences. We want you to be yourself at work. Join us on this exciting journey to a more digital, collaborative and sustainable organisation.

> Young Professionals Programme and internships
> Data privacy policy
> FAQs


🖂 Pan-European Seal programme
🖂 Rechtsrefendariat

Apply now »