Business Unit: Oxford Instruments AFM
Location: Santa Barbara, CA (hybrid)
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 job responsibilities include, but not limited to:Applications Development- 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.
Customer & Commercial Engagement- 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.
Salary: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.
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, Oxford Instruments proudly offers a generous and progressive paid family leave policy.
- Professional Development - Oxford Instruments supports you and your professional development with $5,250 available in annual tuition reimbursement after 6 months of service.
Note to recruitment agencies:
Oxford Instruments does not accept agency CV's. Please do not forward details to our jobs alias, Oxford Instruments employees or any other company location. Oxford Instruments is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CV's.
