MAIN DUTIES: As IT architect at the EPO, you will: - proactively utilise your experience in the field to help take our patent searching to the next level - apply state-of-the-art data-visualisation techniques for annotated search data, with access to one of the world's biggest structured text corpora: our in house patent collection - design and implement visual and dynamic data representations and selection mechanisms for users to explore, navigate and comprehend the information contained in the EPO's patent data collection - create visual solutions for search strategies derived from user behaviour by applying data science methodology - simulate and prototype the designs with a view to providing optimised user solutions. ADDITIONAL DUTIES: You will also: - lead the design and development of software or infrastructure architectures - ensure, in co-operation with business representatives, that technical designs are consistent with business requirements - ensure, in co-operation with transversal IM units, the cohesion of the design with enterprise architecture vision and requirements - provide and maintain conceptual data models in conjunction with IM and business units - provide support in drawing up and maintaining a multi-year implementation roadmap for systems, and propose solutions for such systems - provide input into the development of systems and standards - be responsible for the evaluation of technological solutions and support the development of systems and software - participate in projects to manage the target design, in compliance with policies and standards, working proactively to maintain a stable, viable architecture and to ensure consistency of design across projects - act as subject-matter expert - check that the deliverables meet the standards and solutions defined - participate in proofs of concept to answer architecture concerns - provide direct and ad hoc support for the unit as requested by the director or head of department.