Applications Scientist

Magnitude Instruments; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Travel reimbursement

Paid Time Off

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Magnitude Instruments in State College is seeking an Applications Scientist to advance scientific discovery through spectroscopy. This dynamic role includes conducting experiments, providing technical support, and collaborating with customers and sales teams to drive technological advancements. Candidates should have a Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field, strong communication skills, and at least 3 years of experience. The position offers a competitive salary range of $90,000 to $110,000 depending on experience along with comprehensive benefits.

Join us in empowering researchers to achieve breakthrough results with cutting-edge instrumentation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (Ph.D. preferred) in materials science, chemistry, physics, or biology.
• Hands-on research experience with experimental instrumentation.
• 3+ years in a technical or scientific field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments and develop application protocols.
• Provide technical support and customer training.
• Engage with customers to understand their scientific needs.
• Collaborate with sales and marketing on strategic initiatives.
• Represent the company at scientific events.

Skills

Experimental instrumentation expertise

Strong communication skills

Technical writing

Education

Master’s degree in a scientific or technical field

Ph.D. preferred

Job description

Opportunity

Do you want to play a key role in advancing scientific discovery by enabling researchers to unlock the full potential of cutting‑edge instrumentation? This is a unique opportunity to join a rapidly growing startup at the ground floor and directly impact how breakthrough technologies are adopted across academia and industry. As an Applications Scientist at Magnitude Instruments, you will work closely with leading scientists, engineers, and innovators to solve complex research challenges, develop novel applications, and ensure customer success. If you are passionate about spectroscopy, enjoy solving real‑world scientific problems, and want to be at the forefront of emerging technology, we want to hear from you.

Position Overview

Magnitude Instruments, a leader in advanced spectroscopy solutions, is seeking a highly motivated Applications Scientist to join our dynamic and growing team. This customer-facing role is ideal for an individual passionate about scientific discovery, spectroscopy, and enabling researchers to achieve breakthrough results with cutting‑edge instrumentation. The Applications Scientist will play a critical role in technical support, customer engagement, application development, and external scientific representation of Magnitude Instruments.

Key Responsibilities

• Experimental Work & Application Development
  • Conduct experiments using company equipment to generate data for publications, demonstrations, application notes, and internal R&D support.
  • Develop, refine, and optimize scientific protocols, workflows, and new application methods using Magnitude Instruments products.
  • Produce technical data, figures, and visual content for use in marketing materials, the company website, and presentations.
• Customer Education, Training & Support
  • Perform instrument installations and customer training sessions on-site or remotely.
  • Provide technical support and troubleshooting to ensure customer success and satisfaction.
  • Deliver seminars, workshops, and webinars focused on spectroscopy principles, best practices, and instrument operation.
  • Conduct regular follow‑on meetings with customers to ensure satisfaction and competency is maintained.
  • Perform and assist with distributor and partner training.
• Customer Engagement & Field Insight
  • Engage actively with academic and industrial customers to understand their scientific needs, pain points, and research challenges.
  • Consult with current and prospective customers to help design experiments, overcome technical limitations, and identify the best solutions.
  • Conduct customer surveys and gather structured feedback to guide product improvements, support initiatives and sales objectives.
• Sales & Marketing Collaboration
  • Conduct product demonstrations and pre‑sales consultations to help customers evaluate technology fit.
  • Work closely with the sales team to identify high‑value applications and strategic growth opportunities.
  • Write and contribute to white papers, case studies, peer‑reviewed manuscripts, application notes, and blog posts.
  • Collaborate with Marketing to create engaging scientific content and ensure consistent, accurate messaging.
  • Consistently post meaningful, substantive scientific content on the company’s social media platforms and the website.
• Industry Representation & Events
  • Attend scientific conferences, trade shows, workshops, and networking events as a professional ambassador of Magnitude Instruments.
  • Stay current on advancements in spectroscopy and related fields, sharing insights with internal teams.
  • Assist in organizing and executing company events, including training, product launches, and webinars.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration
  • Act as a liaison to R&D by communicating customer feedback, unmet needs, and new application opportunities.
  • Provide insight to improve documentation, manuals, software interfaces, and application notes.
  • Serve as a customer‑focused, professional representative of Magnitude Instruments in all interactions.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. preferred in a scientific or technical field (materials science, chemistry, physics, biology, etc.)
• Demonstrated hands‑on research experience with experimental instrumentation (time‑resolved spectroscopy experience preferred).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• 3+ years of successful experience in technical or scientific field preferred but not required.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally 15‑25% of time to attend conferences, installations, and demonstrations.
• Strong technical writer.
• Possess a valid driver's license.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base Salary: $90,000 – $110,000 (depending on experience)
• Compensation package may include performance bonuses, travel reimbursement, and other benefits depending on performance.
• Generous Paid Time Off policies.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about science.
• Driven to produce quality, meaningful results.
• Desire to help others.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and comfort working in a growing company environment.
• Self‑starter who takes initiative and ownership of results.
• Excellent communication skills.