Applications Specialist
Job Description
Reporting To: Ciaran O'Connor, General Manager
Location: Office-based at Elemental Scientific Lasers, 685 Old Buffalo Trail, Bozeman, MT
Employment Type: Full time
Position Overview
Elemental Scientific Lasers (ESL) is seeking an experienced Applications Specialist to expand and strengthen our applications development capability, with a particular focus on rapid customer sample turnaround, high-quality demo data generation, and practical development of new analytical workflows. This role links customers, Applications, Sales, Engineering, and R&D, ensuring customer samples are analyzed efficiently while new methods, workflows, and product ideas are evaluated, refined, and validated quickly.
The successful candidate will have strong hands-on experience with Laser Ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) and ideally Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), with emphasis on high-speed imaging, elemental imaging, and quantitative mapping workflows. A PhD in a relevant research area is preferred, although candidates with a Master's degree and significant relevant experience will also be considered.
The Applications Specialist will work closely with ESL's existing Applications Specialists and the Sales, Engineering, and R&D teams in Bozeman. The role has two primary objectives: rapid turnaround of customer demo samples and hands-on support for fast, iterative applications development and R&D testing.
Key Responsibilities
1. Customer Demo Sample Analysis With High Quality Data Generation and Rapid Turnaround
A primary responsibility of this role is the preparation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of customer demonstration samples. The successful candidate will:
- Prepare, analyze, interpret, and report on customer demonstration samples using LA-ICP-MS and LIBS workflows.
- Develop and optimize analytical methods to generate high-quality demonstration results on compressed timelines.
- Produce elemental imaging datasets and quantitative maps that showcase ESL instrumentation capabilities.
- Work with Sales, Applications, and Management to prioritize demo requests and maintain rapid turnaround times.
- Prepare technical reports, presentations, and application-note content based on customer demonstration work.
- Improve analytical and reporting workflows to increase quality, throughput, and efficiency.
The ability to balance scientific rigor with responsiveness is critical, as customer demo results frequently influence purchasing decisions.
2. Applications Development, Product Testing, and R&D Support
The Applications Specialist will accelerate ESL's applications development and product improvement efforts by providing hands-on testing, scientific insight, and rapid feedback throughout development cycles. Responsibilities include:
- Work directly with engineers and scientists to evaluate new hardware, software, methods, and workflow concepts.
- Design and execute experiments to assess prototype performance, validate features, and support application development.
- Perform rapid, iterative testing to support short development cycles and quick decision-making.
- Troubleshoot technical issues and collaborate with engineering teams to develop practical solutions.
- Provide an end-user and applications-focused perspective during product and workflow refinement.
- Analyze experimental data and communicate findings, recommendations, and development priorities clearly.
- Investigate new applications and techniques that may enhance current or future product offerings.
This role requires a hands-on individual who enjoys solving technical problems, working at the interface of science and engineering, and adapting quickly as priorities evolve.
3. Documentation and Technical Communication
- Document testing methods, experimental results, observations, and recommendations.
- Create internal technical reports and maintain transparent development records.
- Develop application notes, scientific content, training materials, and customer-facing technical material.
- Support marketing and sales through compelling technical data and visuals.
- Contribute to publications, posters, and conference presentations where appropriate.
4. User Training and Customer Support
- Deliver customer and distributor training programs.
- Develop training materials, user guides, and supporting technical documentation.
- Assist with troubleshooting and application development for customers and internal teams.
- Support customer success initiatives and travel periodically for training and technical support.
5. Innovation and Technical Leadership
- Remain current with advances in laser ablation, ICP-MS, LIBS, imaging technologies, and data processing.
- Identify opportunities for new applications, system improvements, and product differentiation.
- Represent ESL at conferences, workshops, and customer meetings.
- Present ESL developments and applications in a professional scientific context.
Desired Qualifications
Required:
- Hands-on experience with LA-ICP-MS and ideally LIBS instrumentation and methodologies.
- Experience developing analytical methods and interpreting geochemical, biological, environmental, materials science, or related datasets.
- Strong experimental design, troubleshooting, problem-solving, written communication, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities simultaneously.
Preferred:
- PhD in Geochemistry, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related discipline using LA-ICP-MS and ideally LIBS.
- Master's degree with significant relevant industrial or research experience will also be considered.
- Experience with high-speed elemental imaging and quantitative mapping workflows.
- Familiarity with laser ablation system development, LIBS, instrument testing, or scientific product development.
- Scientific publication, conference presentation, or technical training experience.
Compensation
- Compensation commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Performance-based bonuses at the discretion of management.
- Start date: ASAP
Summary
The Applications Specialist will help ESL respond faster to customer sample requests while supporting rapid applications development, product testing, and iterative R&D. The role combines customer-facing scientific applications work, hands-on analytical method development, prototype testing, technical documentation, and close collaboration with the Bozeman team.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) 3% Match
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- ICP-MS: 2 years (Required)
Location:
- Bozeman, MT 59715 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Bozeman, MT 59715: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
