What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Scientist position at GIA (Gemological Institute of America)?
Job Overview
We are seeking a Research Scientist specialized in color and optical science to lead the design, development, and implementation of color evaluation systems and tools. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and production gemologists to enhance measurement accuracy and consistency across projects. Additionally, you will drive research initiatives, integrate emerging color and imaging technologies, and contribute to our industry and educational mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include The Following.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Excellent problem solving, communication, and listening skills are vital, as is the ability to work collaboratively with all stakeholders. Ability to work independently and safely with limited supervision. Ability to work collaboratively to see project to completion in a high-pressure environment Occasional travel may be required (
Education And Experience
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The employee may be required to travel using commercial transportation resources.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay Range: $117K-$151K
Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.
We are seeking a Research Scientist specialized in color and optical science to lead the design, development, and implementation of color evaluation systems and tools. In this role, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams of scientists, engineers, and production gemologists to enhance measurement accuracy and consistency across projects. Additionally, you will drive research initiatives, integrate emerging color and imaging technologies, and contribute to our industry and educational mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include The Following.
- Develop imaging systems for gemstone and mineral color evaluation, including building and testing instrument prototypes to validate concepts.
- Collaborate with hardware, software, and electrical engineers to design and finalize instruments for internal and industrial applications.
- Oversee project progress during the instrument development and design phases, ensuring alignment with goals and timelines.
- Conduct fundamental and applied research related to gemstones and gemology, contributing to scientific advancements in the field.
- File patent applications to protect innovative technologies and publish research findings in academic journals.
- Provide technical support for instruments, including debugging, implementing new functions, and assisting researchers with instrument-related needs.
- Explore, validate, and assess new measurement techniques and instruments for gemstone analysis, evaluating their feasibility and potential value to the company.
- Communicate effectively, collaborate with colleagues and management, and maintain professionalism under pressure.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education And Experience
- Doctoral degree (Ph. D.) or equivalent in physics, optics, chemistry, or a related field.
- Strong background in color science, image processing, and hand-on experience in optical (imaging) system development.
- Expertise in color science principles, including color spaces, color models, spectral imaging, and color perception.
- Experience in mathematical tools such as MATLAB, Mathematica, or similar, or programming languages such as Python, C , or similar, with experience in developing color processing algorithms and tools.
- Experience with optical (lens) design, gemology, machine learning, deep learning is a plus.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
The employee may be required to travel using commercial transportation resources.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Pay Range: $117K-$151K
Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.
Salary : $117,000 - $151,000
