European Patent Office Chief Economist

The holder of this temporary position (2-year contract, extendable by one or two more years) reports to the EPO President's Office and leads a small unit including a senior economist. The Chief Economist's job is to bring economic considerations to bear on EPO policy. Internally, this means developing new projects to help the EPO to understand better how patents are used and what their economic impact will be. Specific issues that should be considered are e.g. the use of patents as a source of technological and market information, markets for technology (licensing models etc.), patents and macro-economic performance.

It also involves raising awareness of IP economics among EPO staff. Externally, the Chief Economist promotes the EPO as a major player in the public arena (in academia and the press, among policymakers, etc.). The ideal candidate will have a PhD in economics or a related field, with 12 to 15 years' research and/or work experience (including time spent on PhD), preferably in the field of innovation and IP, and with a strong empirical orientation. He/she should also preferably have undertaken recent work relating to the role of patents in economics, finance and society.

More details on the main duties, requirements and selection procedure, together with access to the online application form, can be found on www.epo.org/vacancies under the reference number EUR/5448.

Please apply online by 2.4.2013.

As the second largest European organisation, the European Patent Office offers a competitive salary, excellent social benefits and varied work in a modern international environment.                   

More information on www.epo.org/vacancies