Post Doctoral Industrial Scientist

Oxford Instruments; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous health insurance options

401k program

4 weeks of PTO

Professional development support

Job summary

Oxford Instruments in Santa Barbara, California, is seeking a Post Doctoral Industrial Scientist to lead the development of innovative Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) applications. This role involves translating customer needs into practical solutions while collaborating closely with engineering and commercial teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Ph.D. and over 5 years of hands-on AFM experience, with expertise in electrical measurements and strong programming skills. Competitive benefits and salary range offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years hands-on experience with AFM or related nanoscale characterization techniques.
• Proven ability to design experiments and translate concepts into practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new AFM applications focusing on electrical measurements.
• Serve as technical lead for application development projects.
• Collaborate with teams to build and refine solutions.

Skills

AFM expertise

High-level programming (PYTHON, IGOR, MATLAB)

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Collaboration skills

Education

Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field

Job description

Job Title: Post Doctoral Industrial Scientist

Reports to: R&D Management

About the Opportunity

The Post Doctoral Industrial Scientist will drive the development of innovative Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) applications. In this role, you will translate customer needs into practical measurement solutions, working across a wide range of scientific and industrial fields. You will collaborate closely with engineering, product management, and commercial teams to develop, validate, and launch new AFM capabilities that deliver real value to customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development of new AFM applications, with a strong focus on electrical measurements and emerging technologies.
• Apply AFM expertise across diverse areas such as:
  • Nanomechanics
  • Electronics and semiconductors
  • Batteries and photovoltaics
  • Chemical and correlative imaging
  • Measurement automation
• Understand customer workflows, challenges, and goals through direct engagement and literature review.
• Translate customer needs into clear technical requirements and measurement approaches.
• Drive innovation by developing new methodologies and generating intellectual property.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Solution Development & Execution

• Serve as the technical lead for application development projects.
• Design, perform, and analyze experiments to develop new measurement techniques.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and software developers to build and refine solutions.
• Develop test protocols and validation methods to ensure solutions are reliable and scalable.
• Create demonstration samples, workflows, and materials to showcase new capabilities internally and externally.
• Support sales efforts through customer demonstrations and technical presentations.
• Train sales and applications teams on AFM systems and new capabilities.
• Present new developments at conferences, trade shows, and customer meetings.

Core Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 5+ years of strong hands‑on experience with AFM or related nanoscale characterization techniques.
• Experience in one or more relevant application areas (e.g., electrical measurements, semiconductors, energy materials, etc.).
• Extensive skill in high‑level language programming such as PYTHON, IGOR or MATLAB.
• Proven ability to design experiments and translate concepts into practical solutions.
• Strong attention to detail, collaboration and communication skills.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving abilities with a creative, solutions‑oriented mindset.

Compensation

In accordance with California law, the expected salary for this full‑time, benefited position is between $75,000 - $90,000. The actual compensation will be determined considering factors such as relevant skills and experience and other factors permitted by law.

Benefits

• Generous benefit packages – competitive health insurance options, including Medical, Dental and Vision plans.
• 401k program with options for saving both pre‑ and post‑tax dollars for retirement.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) with 4 weeks of PTO accrued each pay period.
• 12 recognized holidays.
• Progressive paid family leave policy.
• Professional development support with $5,250 annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

Equal Opportunity

Oxford Instruments is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, 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, its services, programs and activities.

E-Verify

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the I‑9 Form.