AFM Applications and Service Scientist

Oxford Instruments; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in High Wycombe is seeking an AFM Applications Scientist to provide technical expertise and support. The role involves conducting demonstrations, compiling reports, and assisting customers with AFM installations. Ideal candidates should have a relevant scientific degree and excellent communication skills. This position offers hybrid working, with 3 days in the office and 2 days at home.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private health insurance

Pension plan with AVIVA

Employee Assistance Programme

Development support for qualifications

Qualifications

• Experienced in operating AFM equipment.
• Ability to compile and present technical reports.
• Willingness to travel for installations and training.

Responsibilities

• Perform AFM demonstrations for prospective customers.
• Compile demonstration reports explaining AFM data.
• Assist sales and marketing with technical inquiries.
• Train customers on AFM operations.
• Provide expert technical support via various channels.
• Develop new applications and write technical notes.
• Present developments at conferences and workshops.

Skills

Technical expertise in AFM

Strong communication skills

Ability to develop new applications

Customer support experience

Education

Relevant degree in a scientific discipline

Job description

Overview

Materials Analysis is an Oxford Instruments Business Unit that manages our Electron Microscopy and Mechanical Microscopy products, Atomic Force Microscopes, Raman Microscopes and Benchtop NMR Products. We are part of the wider Oxford Instruments Group that also includes Andor Technology, NanoScience, Plasma Technology and X-Ray Technology. With a sixty-year history, and fourteen Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, our world-class products and technologies are helping our customers to address the greatest challenges of the 21st century.

We are looking for a AFM Applications Scientist to join our Applications team.

Ideal candidate

This role is ideal if…

• You want to contribute as an in-house AFM expert, providing technical expertise and support both internally and externally
• Are passionate about developing and communicating new applications and techniques
• Have experience and extensive knowledge if the theory and operation of AFM’s.

Working at Oxford Instruments Materials Analysis - What’s in it for you?

Wellbeing

• Annual leave: 25 days plus bank holidays and the option to purchase up to 12 weeks more

• Employee Assistance Programme; including 24/7 telephone support, access to counselling, financial and debt management and access to trained legal advisors
• Private health insurance, dental insurance and life assurance

Money & lifestyle

• MyDiscounts; save money with a number of leading retailers
• Car salary exchange scheme: sacrifice part of your salary in exchange for a fully serviced, comprehensive insured electric or hybrid vehicle
• TechScheme and CycleScheme: Purchase a bike and/or Tech or home goods from Currys/IKEA and spread the cost over 12 months.
• Pension: all employees are eligible to join the Group Pension Plan administered by AVIVA.
• Share incentive plan: Invest in your future and share in the success of the company by joining the share incentive plan.

Development

• Encouragement and support to achieve professional and or academic qualifications to support your development and growth
• Defined career paths and regular reviews

Role and responsibilities

• Perform AFM demonstrations focused on the research interests and needs of prospective customers.
• Compile well-written demonstration reports that explain AFM data clearly and ensure maximum impact from the available AFM images.
• Assist and advise the sales and marketing teams on technical and scientific matters – e.g. fielding technical questions from prospective customers, interpreting technical claims by competitors, contributing to marketing materials, educating non-technical staff on new applications or capabilities.
• Perform AFM installations at customer sites throughout the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Middle East, Africa and India. Train customers on instrument operation as well as the art and science of AFM.
• Provide expert technical support to customers (via phone, email, online and web forum).
• Develop new applications and techniques and author technical notes, application notes, and/ or scientific journal articles.
• Present new application developments and data at worldwide conferences and workshops, webinars and internal meetings.
• Help continually improve the AFM software by suggesting new features and by reporting bugs or user interface issues.

Location and working hours

We are based in High Wycombe on the Cressex Business Park and have hybrid working, which includes 3 days in the office and 2 days at home. We have a 37-hour working week and finish on Fridays at 12:30.

Equal opportunities and reasonable adjustments

Oxford Instruments is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Oxford Instruments is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment. Please get in touch if you require any reasonable adjustments within the interview process.

If you would like to learn more about the role, or have any questions before applying please contact [e-mail]