Applications scientist, Science

Job Title:

Application Scientist

Job Description

The Application Scientist will join a 3-6 month contract, with the potential to extend, focused on supporting, creating, and developing applications for existing analytical instruments, including ORACLE, SMART 6, Phoenix, Sprint, SAM, and legacy units. This role involves becoming an expert in these instruments and in reference testing methods such as Kjeldahl digestion, Soxhlet extraction, and Acid Hydrolysis. The Application Scientist plays a key role in supporting the sales pipeline by collaborating with sales representatives and corporate account managers, and by working directly with customers to validate their samples for advanced food testing technology.

The position works closely with the Product Manager and Applications Group to conduct analyses, compile lab reports, and generate data that can be leveraged across the organization for both technical and marketing purposes.

Responsibilities

+ Develop a deep understanding of all instruments used in the laboratory, including ORACLE, SMART 6, Phoenix, Sprint, SAM, and other legacy units, through in-house training and hands-on application work.

+ Work directly with the Product Manager and Applications team to design and develop novel testing solutions for the process control division, focusing on fat, moisture, protein, and ash analysis.

+ Perform standard reference testing on incoming customer samples using methods such as Kjeldahl digestion, Soxhlet extraction, Acid Hydrolysis, and other established analytical procedures.

+ Maintain a current understanding of internal technology, competitive technologies, and standard reference test methods to ensure accurate and relevant application development.

+ Communicate new developments, testing methods, and application results through clearly written application notes, lab reports, and regular team meetings.

+ Generate relevant analytical data and present findings internally to the Process Control team to support product development, sales efforts, and technical decision-making.

+ Support Technical Support teams, including Applications and Service, by generating and updating data for key applications and ensuring documentation is accurate and accessible.

+ Organize and document all application development work so it can be reused and leveraged for other customers and internal groups, including providing new application data to the Product Manager for marketing content creation.

+ Collaborate with sales representatives and corporate account managers to validate customer samples and support the sales pipeline by demonstrating instrument capabilities and application suitability.

+ Provide application support for local accounts when required, offering technical guidance and troubleshooting on analytical methods and instrument use.

+ Work closely with, and at times under the direction of, the experienced Application Specialist to align application development with broader team goals.

+ Perform other duties as assigned to support laboratory operations, process control initiatives, and cross-functional projects.

Essential Skills

+ Minimum of a BA/BS in Chemistry, Food Sciences, Biology, or a similar Physical Science discipline.

+ 2-3 years of experience in application development, preferably in a laboratory or food industry setting.

+ Strong demonstrated aptitude for technical writing, including the ability to produce clear application notes and detailed lab reports.

+ Hands-on experience with analytical chemistry techniques related to moisture, ash, fat, and protein analysis.

+ Knowledge of spectroscopy techniques, including FTIR and NIR, and their application in food testing and process control.

+

Experience with method validation, application testing, and application development in a scientific or industrial environment.

+ Ability to work in customer-facing situations, supporting process control and food industry applications.

+ Excellent organization and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

+ Ability to motivate and influence team members while fostering a spirit of camaraderie and collaboration.

+ Effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills for working with cross-functional teams and external customers.

+ Demonstrated ability to operate independently and strategically to achieve individual and organizational goals.

Additional

Skills & Qualifications

+ Experience in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or related fields, with exposure to…