Applications Scientist - nanoindenter

Oxford Instruments; Concord (NH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Application Specialist to provide expert support and training on advanced scientific instrumentation. In this dynamic role, you will engage with customers, conduct product demonstrations, and collaborate with sales and marketing teams to drive innovation in the field. With a focus on nanoindentation technology, you will leverage your technical expertise to enhance customer experiences and contribute to strategic projects. This opportunity offers a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and values teamwork, making it an exciting prospect for those passionate about scientific advancements.

Benefits

Competitive Health Insurance

401k Retirement Options

4 Weeks Paid Time Off

12 Holidays

Paid Family Leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in Applications Specialist and Sales roles.
• Strong technical background in metallurgy and nanoindentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical support and conduct demonstrations for customers.
• Compile reports and assist sales and marketing teams with technical matters.

Skills

Technical Writing

Sales Presentations

Customer Communication

Multi-tasking

Team Collaboration

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's in Materials Sciences

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Physics

Tools

Nanoindentation Equipment

Job description

About Oxford Instruments:
Our purpose is to accelerate the breakthroughs that create a brighter future for our world. Our technology and scientific expertise enable our customers to discover and bring to market exciting new advances that drive human progress. We aim to be the scientific instrumentation partner in every significant lab and production facility across the world. Our people and culture are vital to our success. We strive to offer the opportunities that will attract, engage, motivate and develop the very best talent. This involves creating an inclusive environment and culture where difference is valued and people are recognised for what they deliver and bring to the team.

We are part of the wider Oxford Instruments Group that also includes Andor Technology, Materials Analysis, 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 want to empower our employees so that they innovate, support our growth and improve our productivity. We support them to make the right decisions and reach their full potential as they develop their careers at OI. Our ways of working are lived every day and are as follows:

• We start with the customer
• We succeed by being focused
• We make and keep our promises
• We work together as one team
• We help and trust each other to succeed

About the opportunity:
The Application Specialist (AS) serves as the expert level Product and Applications knowledge owner for both customer and sales team members while reporting directly to the Applications Manager - MA. For customers, the AS will serve as their source for training and ongoing function/applications support. This individual will collaborate frequently with sales throughout the entire demonstration process (including pre-demonstration planning) and provide colleagues valuable insights and training on a regular basis. As needed, the AS will work closely with Marketing as well as other Oxford Instruments (OI) Departments and Business Units to aid with strategic planning and projects.

The AS is required to follow the OI Demonstration Process and participate in ongoing technical and skills training. Additionally, the AS will travel as needed, both within and outside of the assigned territory - including internationally, to attend various meetings, training, tradeshows, and conventions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintain expert level technical and application knowledge for the Nanoindentation portfolio of products.
• Perform nanoindentation demonstrations focused on the research interests and needs of prospective customers.
• Compile well-written demonstration reports that explain nanoindentation data clearly and ensure maximum impact from the available nanoindentation data.
• 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.
• Provide expert technical support to customers (via phone, email, online and web forum).
• Support the nanoindentation sales activities.
• Carry out any other tasks that may be reasonably required by the Company.
• Monitor demonstration equipment to ensure peak performance levels.
• Follow the OI demonstration process including the timely completion of internal demonstration reporting.
• Diligently manage expenses and travel planning to minimize operation expenses.
• Maintain a strong familiarity with all OI Business Unit offerings outside Nanoindentation product line to strengthen the company position and create new leads.
• Actively monitor local industry trends and competitor activity to enable proactive development of strategies to exploit opportunities and circumvent threats.
• Attend various trade shows and conventions as well as internal and external sales meetings as required.

About the Candidate:
The ideal candidate for this role will be able to contribute as an in-house “nanoindenter expert”, providing technical expertise and support both internally to Sales and Marketing, as well as externally to customers and prospective customers. You will conduct instrument demonstrations and develop and communicate new applications. We are looking for a professional with 3-5 years Applications Specialist experience and Sales experience in the scientific space preferred, as well as in-depth experience with relevant technologies, customers, and markets.

• Bachelors in the Materials Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, or other relevant area.
• Ability to travel approximately 50% of the time, including occasional international travel.
• Strong background in metallurgy and the related testing principles.
• Experience and extensive knowledge of the theory and operation of nanoindenters.
• Strong technical background and the ability to draw from this when interacting with customers, designing experiments, or troubleshooting.
• Excellent technical writing skills with the ability to write clearly and effectively.
• Ability to give sales presentations and share technical information in an easy-to-understand format.
• Possess a strong sense of urgency.
• Ability to communicate and operate as a cross-functional team with sales, service, product marketing, and other departments.
• Ability to multi-task in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Desire and capability to work well in a team environment.
• Possess the ability and drive to get things done quickly with high levels of energy and resilience.
• Highly organized with a strong affinity for detail.
• Excellent communication skills in various formats (verbal, ppt, excel, etc.).
• Able to accept feedback and modify approach as required.
• Ability to bring teams of people together, creating alignment across functions.
• Willing and able to travel domestically and overseas as required without restriction, subject to normal visa requirements.
• Ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally across all parts of the business.

Oxford Instruments Perks and benefits:

• Generous benefit packages - We offer our employees competitive health insurance options, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Our 401k program has options for saving both pre- and post-tax dollars for retirement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) Work-life balance is a key part of our company culture here at OI, and we know that our employees do their best work when they can take the time they need to rest and recharge. Employees start with 4 weeks of PTO which is accrued each pay period.
• Holidays - We recognize 12 holidays this year.
• In addition to all the standard PTO options, OI proudly offers a generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional Development - OI supports you and your professional development with $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the US. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment Visa at this time for this position.

Oxford Instruments Company is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. EOE/M/F/D/V