Research Scientist Postdoc, Optical

This position represents an exciting opportunity for a recent PhD graduate to join Waters Global Research as an Industrial Postdoc to perform early, cutting-edge research on novel optical detection systems that are used in measurements of the life, food, and materials sciences industries. Global Research postdocs gain practical training and experience working in a cross-functional research organization. Postdocs will develop new skills, learning the functional role of a scientist while contributing expertise needed within our research project teams. This position will be in Milford, Massachusetts, and will be a 1-year duration.  The successful candidate will be supervised by leaders in the Waters Global Research department while having close working ties with our academic and industrial collaborators. 

Waters Global Research is committed to understanding customer needs and pivoting these insights into new and exciting technologies to address those needs. Members of Global Research work in cross-functional research teams that integrate across Liquid Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry, Clinical, and Informatics technologies to develop novel system solutions for the critical problems of the life sciences. We interface with our 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
• Design, 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

• Recent PhD with graduate in the area of optical science, physics, or related discipline
• 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.