Join USPTO's leadership team and help shape the future of global patent classification. As Director of Classification Quality and International Coordination, you will guide classification policy, improve quality, and collaborate with international partners to support innovation and strengthen Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) standards.
You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1200/patent-classifying-series-1223/ Basic Requirements: Applicants for this position must meet the basic individual occupational requirements for a scientific, technological, or engineering occupational series related to the area in which patents are examined, as defined by OPM. Positions at this level require one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrate: Thorough knowledge of the functions, processes, and practices associated with U.S. patents and the patent examining process; Ability to perform patent work assignments in the area(s) of technology of the position to be filled; and Originality and creativity in solving technical problems. In addition to the above, positions at this grade level require thorough knowledge of patent classification principles, procedures, and practices. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-14. To qualify, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level that demonstrates the requirements described above and includes experience with at least three of the following: Leading teams to improve patent classification processes. Leading teams in developing and implementing training materials and/or platforms related to classification work or technical subject matter. Participating in strategic planning and international collaboration efforts. Leading teams to develop and integrate classification automated tools into existing organizational tools and/or processes. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia.This position is eligible under the Situational Telework Program per agency and business unit discretion/policy. As Director of Classification Quality and International Coordination/Supervisory Patent Classifier, you will: Lead a classification team, guide staff development, and ensure accuracy and consistency of classification work. Shape classification policy, complete advanced analysis projects, and provide expert guidance on Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), International Patent Cooperation (IPC), and International Property Five (IP5), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) activities. Support strategic and international classification initiatives, prepare technical briefs, and represent USPTO in coordination efforts. Evaluate classification quality, identify improvement needs, and deliver program-wide quality assessments. Conduct research and develop policy recommendations that support classification goals and organizational priorities. This is your opportunity to lead a mission that supports innovation, strengthens patent quality, and influences how the world classifies technology. Applicants should familiarize themselves and must be able to comply with the relevant conflict of interest laws and standards of ethical conduct for employees of the executive branch regarding possible conflicts of interest in connection with their potential area of examination as seen here: https://www.commerce.gov/ogc/about-ogc/bureaus-and-offices/office-assistant-general-counsel-ethics-law-and-programs-office/ethics-rules. Attorney-applicants must also be able to comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible professional responsibility conflicts in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify the USPTO Office of Enrollment and Discipline at OED@uspto.gov if you currently represent clients before the USPTO and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances. You will be required to file a confidential financial disclosure report, i.e. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450 annually.