Job Title – Senior Development Scientist
Job Type - Full Time
Location – Malvern, UK
Role Benefits - Competitive Salary + Benefits Package and more
Become part of making the impossible possible.
About the role:
As a Senior Development Scientist, you will provide scientific and technical leadership in the development of next-generation analytical instrumentation. Working at the intersection of applied physics, optics, experimentation, and algorithm development, you will play a key role in designing and validating innovative measurement technologies that deliver real-world customer value.
You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams across R&D, Engineering, Product Management, and Applications, developing advanced optical systems and measurement solutions while contributing to the future direction of our technology portfolio.
What you'll be doing:
• Design, develop, and test advanced optical measurement systems using lasers, lenses, mirrors, and complex optical arrangements.
• Apply expertise in light scattering, laser diffraction, and measurement science to develop innovative instrument solutions.
• Build models, plan experiments, and analyse results to validate system performance and explore design concepts.
• Develop and validate algorithms that interpret measurement data and control instrument behaviour.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and design transfer.
• Mentor colleagues, contribute technical leadership, and help generate intellectual property through innovative research and development.
About you:
• Degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related STEM discipline. A PhD would be advantageous.
• Experience developing optical, imaging, or physics-based measurement systems within an industrial or research environment.
• Strong practical expertise in optical system development, including lasers, lenses, mirrors, optical layouts, and laboratory experimentation.
• Strong modelling, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with experience using tools such as Python, MATLAB, Zemax, or equivalent.
• A hands-on experimentalist who enjoys investigating complex technical challenges and translating scientific principles into practical solutions.
• Excellent understanding of core measurement technologies such as laser diffraction, light scattering, optical physics, and measurement algorithms would be advantageous.
What's in it for you
• Work on cutting-edge analytical instrumentation and measurement technologies.
• Contribute to the development of innovative products used by scientists and engineers around the world.
• Collaborate with highly skilled multidisciplinary teams across science, engineering, and product development.
• Influence the future direction of optical measurement technologies and advanced analytical solutions.
• Enjoy a competitive rewards package and excellent opportunities for professional development.
#LI-CS2
We provide market-leading, material characterization technologies for the world's most innovative companies, academic institutions, and government laboratories in the analytics of advanced materials.
We support our customers through their biggest challenges, from developing lifesaving vaccines to sustainable fuels. We wake up every day to delight our customers through innovation, high-quality solutions and workflows, and excellence in customer satisfaction.
We are a recognized leader for quality and insights in material characterization; winning customers with performance and keeping them with service. With more than 2,000 employees operating in over 20 countries across the world, and R&D sites in North America, Europe and Asia.
We are part of Spectris, a company which combines precision with purpose to equip customers to solve some of their greatest challenges to make the world cleaner, healthier and more productive. In 2025, Spectris acquired Micromeritics as part of Malvern Panalytical.
Skills Required
- Degree in Physics, Optics, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related STEM discipline
- Experience developing optical, imaging, or physics-based measurement systems in an industrial or research environment
- Practical expertise in optical system development, including lasers, lenses, mirrors, optical layouts, and laboratory experimentation
- Strong modeling, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Experience using Python, MATLAB, Zemax, or equivalent tools
- Understanding of laser diffraction, light scattering, optical physics, and measurement algorithms
- PhD in a relevant discipline
Spectris plc Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Spectris plc and has not been reviewed or approved by Spectris plc.
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Equity Value & Accessibility — Employee ownership opportunities are broadly available to permanent staff through the Owners@Spectris programme and share incentive plans, offering potential long‑term upside. Participation is subject to eligibility and performance conditions but provides a pathway to share in company value.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical-expense insurance is provided, with references to family cover in some arrangements, alongside life and disability insurance. These provisions indicate a comprehensive healthcare and protection package in certain locations.
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Retirement Support — Pension arrangements are part of the benefits offering, with additional share incentive mechanisms such as partnership and matching shares. These elements point to structured retirement and savings support, though availability can differ by location.
Spectris plc Insights
What We Do
Spectris harnesses the power of precision measurement to equip customers to make the world cleaner, healthier, and more productive. The company provides high-tech instruments, test equipment, and software for many of the world’s most technically demanding industrial applications.
