Content Strategist II

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future.

We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

The Content Strategist II is responsible for creating, maintaining, and strategizing a continuous flow of high quality educational material presented on Thorlabs’ platforms, including the company’s website, social media channels, mobile applications, and in-person trainings. This role combines content creation, editorial oversight, and cross-platform content strategy to ensure all educational materials are accurate, engaging, timely, aligned with organizational guidelines, and impactful.

In addition to producing their own content, the Content Strategist II will collaborate with internal teams and external contributors to guide the development of educational materials, maintain consistency in messaging and style, and create meaningful connections across platforms. This position also includes delivering educational content directly, both in-person and within virtual settings.

Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.

• Research photonics topics with the goal of creating a diverse portfolio of educational content.
• Iterate content to ensure technical accuracy and engaging storytelling across various audiences.
• Collaborate with experts to learn techniques and principles beyond the expected presentation, ensuring explanations are clear, concise, accurate, supported by a deep understanding of the material, and are primed for audience questions while supporting various educational initiatives.
• Organize practice takes and establish video storyboards to outline character and part placement/movement, camera angles, and pacing to ensure all stakeholders are prepared on the day of filming.
• Create and maintain a content calendar with production timelines to release timely original content on Thorlabs’ platforms while maintaining existing materials, including responding to comments/questions.
• Establish a content strategy and monitor KPIs to measure content performance/impact, identify trends, and inform strategic decisions.
• Remain knowledgeable of new platforms, approaches, and marketing standards for the purpose of delivering ready-to-publish presentations.
• Collaborate with Digital Marketing to create supporting animated and static graphics.
• Collaborate with social media, Business Intelligence, and Web teams to deepen understanding of analytics, cross referencing, and opportunities for increased traffic and engagement.
• Remain knowledgeable of newly released products, product presentations, lab activities, published content, and initiatives to identify new educational content opportunities.
• Teach educational content in person, clearly and concisely explaining background, processes, expected results, and big picture applications while also able to answer participant questions.

• 5+ years experience working in a photonics lab and disseminating results.
• Demonstrated experience growing a video channel with original videos.

• Bachelor’s degree required, Masters or PhD preferred, in a photonics related field.

• Proven implementation and measurement of search engine optimization (SEO) approaches, including keyword research, optimized titles, tags, and descriptions.
• Provide lectures, trainings, and demonstrations in person and virtually to large groups.
• Knowledge of end-to-end video production, including scripting, filming, and editing.
• Managing comments, community posts, and driving engagement.
• Strong interpersonal skills for…