Senior Science Writer

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 informs 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 is based out of Newton, NJ; Lafayette, Colorado; or Rochester, New York, from time to time it

may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations or to attend tradeshows.

Essential Job Functions include the following, but are not limited to:

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.

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Physical Activities:

This is largely a sedentary role; however, some filing is required. This would require the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand, as necessary.The employee may occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.

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.

Direct Reports:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.

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.

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.