Post Doctoral Industrial Scientist

Oxford Instruments Plc • Santa Barbara, CA

3d • $75,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.

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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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) - Employees start with 4 weeks of PTO.
• 12 holidays recognized.
• Generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
• $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree