Senior Science Writer

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. Purpose of the Position The Senior Science Writer role is responsible for strengthening Thorlabs’ position as a leading manufacturer of Photonics products through the creation of effective technical presentations, application images, videos, and other marketing collateral that inform and educate the photonics community about Thorlabs’ products/capabilities and their applications. Using photonics knowledge gained through extensive hands-on laboratory experience combined with knowledge gained through discussion with engineers, this role will define and drive the forward movement of the organization’s customer-centric marketing efforts. This role works closely with graphic artists to create content for the website or other marketing collateral. Although the position reports into the Newton, NJ office, candidates will be considered who can report into our Newton, NJ; Rochester, NY; or Lafayette, CO locations 2 days/week. Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to: Project management: Plans, develops, and executes the successful and timely delivery of high-quality technical content in support of New Product Introduction (NPI), website updates, product discontinuation/supersession, acquisitions, tradeshows, social media posts, video/animation projects, or other marketing collateral utilizing technical expertise combined with information gained from conversations with key stakeholders. Content submitted, regardless of subject complexity, should require minimal feedback when it comes to technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to Thorlabs standards for layout. Content Strategy: Ensures customers can make informed and efficient decisions on which product(s) best serve their needs amidst a portfolio of 20,000+ items, developing/implementing proposals for website (re)organization as needed, ensuring strong cross linkage across the website, incorporating search engine optimization tactics as appropriate, and ensuring all documentation is comprehensive and meets organizational standards. Timely Updates: Consistently meets deadlines, producing technically accurate content that meets company standards all while handling multiple projects at different stages of production and at all levels of technical difficulty. Communication: Guides graphics and digital marketing staff by clearly and effectively communicating desired outcomes to obtain the necessary images, videos, and animations for a successful presentation. Partners with business unit leaders, engineers, and subject matter experts, as appropriate, to gather information and ensure content accuracy. Communicates effectively to address issues and achieve desired outcomes. Coaching/Mentorship: Able to coach junior team members and assist Editorial Content Strategists by reviewing updates to presentations created by other Science Writers to support NPI, product revisions, product feedback, and general website improvements, ensuring they follow Thorlabs’ standards and are technically sound. Independently conceives of and builds application examples and/or guides others in the construction of application examples that help customers understand how products are utilized within a lab environment. Website Enhancements: Collaborates with the eCommerce Project Manager and marketing management to develop, test and implement tools (e.g., configurators) that are necessary for new product introduction or an improved customer buying experience. Product Road Mapping: Participates in defining new products and/or product enhancement through participation in the internal product development forum. Project Oversite: Leads projects or ad hoc teams as needed to meet business needs. Requirements Qualifications Experience:    5+ years of significant hands-on laboratory experience. Education: Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Lasers, or a closely related field or a bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of equivalent work experience. Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Extensive laboratory experience and familiarity with photonics equipment. Expertise in writing brand-consistent content that meets project goals and addresses user needs. Strong Organizational and Planning Skills. Great presentation and communication skills with the ability to understand the audience, to structure effective presentations, and distill key messages to effectively inform and persuade. Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, in a dynamic, fast-changing environment, and to be proactive in times of ambiguity. Excellent writing and presentation skills in English. Ability to Multitask, Be Detail Oriented, and to Solve Problems, All While Under Tight Time Constraints. Familiarity with SEO best practices. The estimated pay range for this role is $75,450 - $94,300 annually, with the final offer contingent on location, skillset, and experience Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts.  The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law. Benefits Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.