Senior Development Scientist

Malvern Panalytical; Malvern; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Career development

Job summary

Malvern Panalytical in Malvern, UK is seeking a Senior Development Scientist to lead the design and validation of next-generation analytical instrumentation. You will work at the intersection of physics, optics, experimentation, and algorithm development to deliver measurement technologies that provide real-world customer value.

Collaborating with R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Applications, you will develop advanced optical systems, mentor teammates, and help shape the future of our

Qualifications

• Experience developing optical measurement systems in industrial or research settings.
• Strong practical expertise with lasers, lenses, and optical layouts.
• Proficient modelling and analysis using Python/MATLAB/Zemax.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test advanced optical measurement systems.
• Apply light scattering and laser diffraction techniques.
• Build models, plan experiments, and validate performance.
• Develop algorithms to interpret data and control instruments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product development.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor colleagues.

Skills

Optical design

Python

MATLAB

Zemax

Experimentation

Modeling

Algorithms

Laser optics

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.