Research Scientist, Optical
Waters Global Research is looking for an energetic and creative optical scientist to join the team and help bring technologies in optical detection to the forefront of the industry. Waters is dedicated to solving problems that matter, achieving greater sustainability, and fostering a culture of inclusion and equity. The Global Research team is looking for an early career individual to help change the way we think about problems, inspire new ideas, and contribute to the next generation of innovations in detection.
The Waters Global Research team performs early, cutting-edge research on novel optical detection systems that are used in measurements of the life, food, and materials sciences industries. We are committed to understanding customer needs and pivoting these insights into new and exciting technologies to address those needs. Global research is an agile, cross-functional team that produces novel research concepts in the Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Clinical, and Informatics product markets to explore technologies and develop novel system solutions for the critical problems of the life sciences. We interface with our respective business unit organizations and consumers to understand the problems that plague the industries and collaborate to drive ideas to solutions. We are seeking to revolutionize optical detection in chromatographic systems by leveraging core physics and novel optofluidic designs.
Responsibilities
- Conduct early stage research for problems within the optics team, for example within absorption or fluorescence spectroscopy, light scattering, or by leveraging ray tracing and/or optofluidic design to improve the current state-of-the-art detection
- Contribute to project teams in the area of optical detection, including design of optical paths and flow cells, performance testing, and assessment of related hardware components
- Frequent use and application of technical standards, calculations, principles, theories, concepts, and techniques
- Follow established procedures and work effectively with cross-functional project teams including scientists, biologists, and engineers under the direction of the Team Lead
- As needed, provide subject matter expertise for sustaining support of Development projects
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports, patent applications, and transferable protocols
- Set-up and run experiments within area of specialty and provide internal and external presentations to summarize scientific findings
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant scientific literature
Qualifications
- 2 or more years of practical experience in optical science
- M.S. in optical science, physics, or related discipline, B.S. with 2 or more years experience
- Experience with two or more of the following preferred: (1) optical spectroscopy (UV-vis, NIR, FTIR, MIR, terahertz, Raman, VUV, fluorescence, or X-ray), (2) scattering techniques such as dynamic light scattering or static light scattering, (3) chemometrics, (4) plasmonics, (5) biosensors, and (6) laser spectroscopy
- Hands on experiences with optical assemblies or flow cells preferred
- Innovative mindset and agility to foster new and diverse ideas
- Well-developed oral and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Python, Matlab, Zemax, Fluent, or other scripting language desirable \
We know that sometimes the perfect candidate does not exist, and that people can be put off applying for a job if they do not fit all the requirements. If you are excited about working for us and have most of the skills or experience we are looking for, please go ahead and apply. You could be just what we need! We believe strongly in the value of diversity and creating supportive, inclusive environments where our colleagues can succeed. As such, Waters is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment.