Patent Exmainer - Computer Science Job in Alexandria, Arlington & Falls Church - 90093012 - ZAROEN5.TO28C

Job Title:
Patent Exmainer - Computer Science

Department:
Department Of Commerce

Agency:
Patent and Trademark Office

Job Announcement Number:
LD276474

SALARY RANGE:
$51,988.00 - $78,881.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Monday, August 16, 2010 to Friday, August 12, 2011
SERIES & GRADE:GS-1224-07/09

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full Time Excepted Service Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
13

DUTY LOCATIONS:
Many vacancies - Alexandria, VA

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
United States Citizens

JOB SUMMARY:

Do you enjoy technology? Have you ever explored the world of inventions and patents? If you are a degreed computer scienctist your opportunity to begin or expand in this world just arrived.

Work for the largest intellectual property rights entity in the United States and benefit from a unique opportunity.Discover an exciting career with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a Patent Examiner!A career as a Patent Examiner is filled with endless possibilities, where you can be a part of something that makes a difference for the country and the world.It is a career that allows you to contribute to a strong global economy and to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit for the 21st century.

A Patent Examiner reviews patent applications to determine if they comply with Federal law and regulations, in addition to scientific principle.The incumbent would be responsible for scrutinizing patent applications, determining the scope of protection claimed by the inventor, researching relevant technologies, and communicating findings and decisions to patent practitioners and/or inventors.The job is generally visually demanding in nature and almost all of a Patent Examiner's work is performed using a computer.The incumbent is required to conduct an extensive review of a large body of technical information which regularly includes detailed drawings as represented in electrical schematic, 3-dimensional mechanical portrayed drawings or chemical manufacturing process diagrams.The incumbent reviews patent applications and writes office actions, in a production oriented environment that requires the analytical ability to efficiently digest large volumes of scientific information and to use his information to make timely decisions regarding the patentability of an application.

The Office of Human Resources strongly encourages you to read the vacancy announcement in its entirety before submitting application materials.If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the individual listed under "Contact Information."Failure to follow instructions may result in your application not receiving consideration.

Complete applications will be processed by a cut-off date.First consideration will be given to eligible applicants who submit all required application materials by the early cut-off date of August 27, 2010.Subsequent cut-off dates will be each Friday thereafter until the closing date of the vacancy, Friday, August 12, 2011.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• You must be a U.S. citizen
• Resumes required
• Transcripts required
• Supporting documents (DD214, SF-50, etc.) if applicable
• Registered for Selective Service, if applicable (See Other Information)

Additional Duty Location Info:
Many vacancies - Alexandria, VA

Patent Examiners are responsible for the quality and timely processing of patent applications.

At the GS-7 level, the employee performs basic patent examining functions (e.g., planning and conducting the search, applying references to the claimed invention, etc.) only after receiving extensive preliminary instructions from the supervisor.Training emphasizes developing an understanding of the relationship of the technical concepts underlying the specialty technology area to the patent examining process. Assignments are pre-selected to combine performance of productive work with supervised on-the-job training in both the judgmental and methodological aspects of the work.

At the GS-9 level, the employee independently performs basic patent examining functions (e.g., planning and conducting the search, applying references to the patent application, etc.) with no preliminary instructions from the supervisor.The employee performs assignments of average difficulty in the assigned area of technology relative to the patent examining function requiring the application of fundamental principles, concepts, techniques, and guidelines relative to patent examining.May perform advanced patent examining functions (e.g., the evaluation of special claim constructions, the requirement of restrictions, the recognition and development of probable interferences, etc.) only after obtaining instructions from the supervisor and all determinations involving such functions are subject to close review.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Note:  Applications will be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application.  However, the agency will verify that the education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.

You must meet the following United States Office of Personnel Managements (OPM) qualification requirements for the advertised position.  OPM's prescribed Group Coverage Qualification Standards for Professional and Scientific Positions can be found at:  http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/SEC-IV/A/gs-PROF.asp.  It is available for your review in our office and in other Federal agency personnel office.  Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualification Standards Handbook of the General Schedule Positions.  You must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this vacancy announcement.

BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE:

Have at least a bachelor's degree in Computer Science or bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours in a combination of mathematics, statistics, and computer science. At least 15 of the 30 semester hours must have been in any combination of statistics and mathematics that included differential and integral calculus. All academic degrees and course work must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: In addition to meeting the BASIC QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS candidates must also:

FOR GS-7 GRADE LEVEL:

A. Meet the Basic Qualification Requirements above and Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) criteria. S.A.A. is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average, or (3) honor society membership.

Class standing--Applicants must be in the upper third of the graduating class in the college, university, or major subdivision, such as the College of Liberal Arts or the School of Business Administration, based on completed courses.

Grade-point average (G.P.A.)--Applicants must have a grade-point average of: 3.0 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B" or better) as recorded on their official transcript, or as computed based on 4 years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum; or 3.5 or higher out of a possible 4.0 ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field or the required courses in the major field completed during the final 2 years of the curriculum.

Grade-point averages are to be rounded to one decimal place. For example, 2.95 will round to 3.0 and 2.94 will round to 2.9. G.P.A. as recorded on the final transcript. The final transcript must cover the period being used to determine G.P.A., i.e., all 4 years or last 2 years.

Election to membership in a national scholastic honor society--Applicants can be considered eligible based on membership in one of the national scholastic honor societies. These honor societies are listed in the Association of College Honor Societies: Booklet of Information (1992-95) and/or Baird's Manual of American College Fraternities (1991).

OR

B. Have at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service interpreting and applying basic engineering and/or scientific principles, theories, concepts and methodologies that are used in the evaluation of technology; planning and conducting research; applying appropriate references to the claimed invention, etc.

OR

C. Have at least one year of graduate level education from an accredited college and/or university in the fields of study as described in the Basic Qualification Requirements. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours will be considered an academic year of graduate study.

OR

D.  Have less than the full amount of graduate education as described in "C" above and less than the amount of experience described in "B"above, but have a combination of the type of graduate education and experience described above.

FOR GS-9 GRADE LEVEL:

A. Have at least one year of specialized experience, equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service interpreting and applying intermediate engineering and/or scientific principles, theories, concepts and methodologies that are used in the evaluation of technology; planning and conducting research; applying appropriate references to the claimed invention, etc.

OR

B. Have at least two years of graduate level education leading to a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college and/or university in the fields of study as described in the Basic Qualification Requirements. One year of full-time graduate education is considered to be the number of credit hours that the school attended has determined to represent 1 year of full-time study. If that number cannot be obtained from the school, 18 semester hours will be considered an academic year of graduate study.

OR

C. Have less than the full amount of graduate education as described in "B" above and less than the amount of experience described in "A"above, but have a combination of the type of graduate education and experience described above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Below are theKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities.(KSAs) that are needed by applicants to successfully perform on the job.

1.Ability to analyze and interpret written materials, including technical materials, rules, regulations, instructions, and reports.

2.Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations with diverse user groups.

3.Skill in oral communications in order to make clear and convincing oral presentations.

4. Skill in written communications to produce written information which may be included in technical material.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1.  You must be a United States Citizen.  Failure to provide your US Citizenship on your application materials will result in your application not be processed. 

2.  These positions are being filled through an Excepted Service Appointment. Individuals will be appointed to a 2-year trial internship period and receive extensive training that is tailored to the patent examiner position. Upon successful completion of the trial period, individuals will be placed into a permanent position in the Competitive service. For more information on the Patent Examiner Training Program, please visit http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/PEPositions/Training.aspx.

3.  Employee must successfully pass a written test to be considered for promotion to the GS-13 grade level and meet time in grade requirements.

4.  Selectee will be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for Federal employment, authorize a background investigation, and certify the accuracy of all the information in your application (or resume).

5.  Selectee will be required to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting and security badge prior to your entrance on duty date.

6.  A background security investigation will be required for all new appointments. Your continued employment will be subject to your successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. Failure to successfully meet these requirements will be grounds for termination. 

7.  This employer participates in E-Verify. This employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to provide you written instructions and an opportunity to contact SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, this employer uses E-Verify's photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' (USCIS) photograph. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS at 1-888-464-4218.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Once an application is received, a review of your application will be made to ensure you meet the job requirements.  You will be notified of whether you are qualified and/or referred to the hiring official.  If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.  Your eligibility for consideration and qualifications for the position will be determined based upon a review of:

• Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire, and
• Your detailed resume; and
• Your transcripts: (BS, MS, JD, Ph.D) and
• Your required supporting documentation.

Failure to provide this information will affect your eligibility.  Please note that a complete resume is required for consideration.

BENEFITS:

The United States Patent and Trademark Office offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System.    Alternative Work Schedule (AWS) and Telework Program are available to eligible employees. Visit USPTO links below for information concerning USPTO New Employee Information:

USPTO Campus:

http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/NewEmployee/Campus.aspx

Reporting to Work: 

http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/NewEmployee/ReportToWork.aspx

Work/Life Balance: 

http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/NewEmployee/WorkLife.aspx

Financial: 

http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/NewEmployee/Financial.aspx

Employee Assistance: 

http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/NewEmployee/Assistance.aspx

Living in the D.C. Metro Area:  http://www.usptocareers.gov/Pages/NewEmployee/Living.aspx

The following web address is provided for you to explore the major benefits offered to most Federal employees.  To learn more please click on:  http://www.usajobs.gov/EI/benefits.asp

OTHER INFORMATION:

1.If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/59, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.  Please see http://www.sss.gov/for more information.

2. If you are entitled to veteran's preference, you should indicate the type of veteran's preference you are claiming on your resume.  Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.

• For 5-point veterans' preference, please provide Member 4 copy of each Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, DD-214 or an official statement of service from your command if you are currently on active duty, or other official documentation (e.g., copy of military orders, campaign documents or expeditionary award citation, etc.) that proves your military service was performed under honorable conditions.
• For 10-point veterans' preference, you must submit a copy of our DD-214 (Member 4 copy), a Standard Form (SF) 15, “Application for 10-Point Veterans’ Preference”and an official statement, dated 1991 or later from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces certifying to the veteran’s present receipt of compensation.For more information, please go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6. 

Additional information on the qualification requirements is outlined in the OPM Qualifications Standards Handbook of General Schedule Positions. It is available for your review in our office, in other Federal agency personnel offices, and on OPM's web site at http://www.opm.gov/qualifications.

3.  Travel, transportation, and relocation expenses will NOT be paid.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package, which includes:

1.  Your Resume

2.  A complete Occupational Questionnaire

3.  Additional Required Documents (see Required Documents section below)

The complete Application Package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on Friday, August 12, 2011.

To begin the process, click the Apply Online button at the bottom of this screen to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.  Follow the prompt to compete the occupational questionnaire.

To fax supporting documents you are unable to upload, complete this cover page http://staffing.opm.gov/pdf/usascover.pdf using the following Vacancy ID LD376474.  Fax your documents to 1-478-757-3144.

Note:   To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position.

If you cannot apply online:

1.  Click the following link to view and print the occupational questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire, and

2.  Print this 1203FX form to provide your response to the occupational questionnaire http://www.opm.gov/forms/pdfimage/opm1203fx.pdf and

3. Fax the complete 1203FX form along with any supporting documents to 1-478-757-3144.  Your 1203FX will serve as a cover page for your fax transmission.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Applicants applying for this position MUST submit the following REQUIRED documents.

· Your responses to the Assessment Questionnaire

·  Resume - Optional Application for Federal Employment (612), or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications.  The dates on your resume must be in the following format (mm/yy) or (mm/yyyy).

·Transcript - Official, unofficial college transcripts, (Bachelor's, Master's, Juris Doctor, ect), or a statement from the institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official; or equivalent documentation will be accepted. All transcripts must be submitted.  Transcripts must show applicant's name, discipline, GPA, semester hours etc,.  NOTE: An official transcript or equivalent documentation as listed above will be required prior to entrance on duty.  If faxing or uploading transcripts, both front and back of transcripts must be submitted.

· Foreign Education:   To receive credit for education completed outside the United States you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs.  A course by course evaluation is needed if applying to a vacancy that requires specific coursework.

·  Veterans Preference documentation - Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214, Member Copy 4); if applicable,Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) and the appropriate documentation. For claim as a disabled veteran provide an official statement, dated 1991 or later, from the Department of Veterans Affairs or from a branch of the Armed Forces, certifying to the veteran's present receipt of compensation.  For more information, please go to http://www.opm.gov/veterans/html/vetguide.asp#6.

· Miscellaneous Documents:

Honor Society Membership documentation - Letter from the Honor Society granting membership.

Engineering In Training (EIT) Certificate

Note:For information on resume tips please visit: http://www.usajobs.gov/infocenter/resumetips.asp

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Workforce Division
Phone: (800)786-9757
Fax: (478)757-3144
Email: OHRPATENTRECRUITMENT@USPTO.GOV Agency Information:
United States Patent and Trademark Office
Workforce Division
550 Elizabeth Lane
Alexandria, VA 22313
Fax: (478)757-3144

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

You will be notified about your application status at the following points in the process.  

1.Application received – Immediate notification.

2.Application assessed for qualifications (rated eligible or ineligible) – approximately 3 weeks from the closing date.

3.Application referred or not referred to selecting official - approximately 5 weeks from the closing date.Referred candidates will be contacted for interviews.

4.  Whether you were selected or not selected - approximately 8 weeks from the closing date.

To obtain these status updates through USAJOBS, an applicant must select the Apply Online button at the bottom of the announcement and log into their USAJOBS account before completing the questionnaire in Application Manager.If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before you can apply.