Senior Development Scientist

Malvern Panalytical; Malvern; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Malvern Panalytical in Malvern, UK, is seeking a Senior Development Scientist to provide scientific and technical leadership in next-generation analytical instrumentation. You will design and validate innovative optical measurement technologies and lead cross-disciplinary work across R&D, engineering, and product management.

Responsibilities include designing advanced optical systems, applying light scattering and laser diffraction knowledge, building experiments, developing algorithms, and

Qualifications

• Degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related STEM; PhD advantageous.
• Experience developing optical/imaging/physics-based measurement systems in industry or research.
• Strong practical expertise in lasers, lenses, mirrors, layouts and lab work.
• Proficient with Python, MATLAB, Zemax for modelling and analysis.
• Hands-on experimentalist translating theory into practical solutions.
• Knowledge of laser diffraction and light scattering is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test advanced optical measurement systems using lasers and optical layouts.
• Apply light scattering and laser diffraction expertise to develop instrument solutions.
• Build models, plan experiments, and analyze results to validate performance.
• Develop and validate algorithms that interpret data and control instruments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and design transfer.
• Mentor colleagues and contribute to IP through innovative R&D.

Skills

Optical design

Experimentation

Measurement systems

Modeling

Data analysis

Education

Physics/Optics/Engineering degree

PhD advantageous

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Zemax

Job description

Job Title – Senior Development Scientist

Job Type – Full Time

Location – Malvern, UK

Role Benefits – Competitive Salary + Benefits Package and more

Become part of making the impossible possible.

About the role:

As a Senior Development Scientist, you will provide scientific and technical leadership in the development of next-generation analytical instrumentation. Working at the intersection of applied physics, optics, experimentation, and algorithm development, you will play a key role in designing and validating innovative measurement technologies that deliver real-world customer value.

You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Applications, developing advanced optical systems and measurement solutions while contributing to the future direction of our technology portfolio.

What you'll be doing:

• Design, develop, and test advanced optical measurement systems using lasers, lenses, mirrors, and complex optical arrangements.
• Apply expertise in light scattering, laser diffraction, and measurement science to develop innovative instrument solutions.
• Build models, plan experiments, and analyse results to validate system performance and explore design concepts.
• Develop and validate algorithms that interpret measurement data and control instrument behaviour.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and design transfer.
• Mentor colleagues, contribute technical leadership, and help generate intellectual property through innovative research and development.

About you:

• Degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related STEM discipline. A PhD would be advantageous.
• Experience developing optical, imaging, or physics-based measurement systems within an industrial or research environment.
• Strong practical expertise in optical system development, including lasers, lenses, mirrors, optical layouts, and laboratory experimentation.
• Strong modelling, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with experience using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Zemax, or equivalent.
• A hands-on experimentalist who enjoys investigating complex technical challenges and translating scientific principles into practical solutions.
• Excellent understanding of core measurement technologies such as laser diffraction, light scattering, optical physics, and measurement algorithms would be advantageous.

What's In It For You

• Work on cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and measurement technologies.
• Contribute to the development of innovative products used by scientists and engineers around the world.
• Collaborate with highly skilled multidisciplinary teams across science, engineering, and product development.
• Influence the future direction of optical measurement technologies and advanced analytical solutions.
• Enjoy a competitive rewards package and excellent opportunities for professional development.

We provide market-leading, material characterization technologies for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories in the analytics of advanced materials.

We support our customers through their biggest challenges, from developing lifesaving vaccines to sustainable fuels. We wake up every day to delight our customers through innovation, high-quality solutions and workflows, and excellence in customer satisfaction.

We are a recognized leader for quality and insights in material characterization; winning customers with performance and keeping them with service. With more than 2,000 employees operating in over 20 countries across the world, and R&D sites in North America, Europe and Asia.

We are part of Spectris, a company which combines precision with purpose to equip customers to solve some of their greatest challenges to make the world cleaner, healthier and more productive. In 2025, Spectris acquired Micromeritics as part of Malvern Panalytical.