Science Writer II

Purpose of the Position

The Science Writer II role is responsible for strengthening Thorlabs’ position as a leading manufacturer of Photonics products through the creation of effective technical content that informs and educates the photonics community about Thorlabs’ products and their applications. This role will demonstrate a firm understanding of Thorlabs’ extensive product portfolio via the delivery of high-quality website content, tradeshow materials, and other marketing collateral. The Science Writer II will be able to draw on their existing technical experience and photonics knowledge to engage in meaningful conversations with engineering teams to support product revisions, product feedback, and general website improvements; propose and plan changes to Thorlabs’ website to enhance the buying experience for customers; and successfully execute their plans to produce high-quality content requiring minimal feedback. This role works closely with graphic artists to create presentations. Original content is based on basic information provided by Thorlabs’ engineers, as well as prior knowledge gained from using similar products in the field.

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.

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

• Draw on existing technical experience to engage effectively with engineering teams to gain an understanding of product revisions or requested presentation improvements and execute updates to the website that support customer efficiency when making buying decisions.

• Utilize gained knowledge of the organizational ERP platform (D365), content editing tools, and Thorlabs’ processes and standards to ensure comprehensive updates requiring minimal feedback when it comes to technical accuracy, completeness, and adherence to Thorlabs standards for layout.

• Plan, complete, and/or oversee complex updates affecting large families of products.

• Develop high quality, technically informative web presentations, including application images and cross linkage, for updates requested by any of the Thorlabs business units/entities or customers, all while meeting company standards and tight timeline constraints.

• Update the Visual Navigation structure as necessary and improve website usability.

• Peer reviews, critiques, and comments on content for publication to the website.

• Handle the supersession/obsolescence of products.

• Build application images that help customers understand how products are utilized within a lab environment.

• Guide graphics staff, clearly and effectively communicating desired outcomes to obtain the necessary images, videos, and animations for an effective presentation.

• Ensures all documentation meets organizational standards (i.e., support documents are uploaded to the correct location, drawings adhere to internal guidelines, etc.).

• Structure and organize the job in close cooperation with business units in the United States and globally.

• Collaborate with the Web Team as necessary to develop tools (e.g., configurators) that are necessary for an improved customer buying experience.

• Learn and implement best practices for building website content, incorporating search engine optimization tactics as appropriate.

• Assist other marketing teams as required to meet business needs.

In addition to the essential functions and duties listed above, all positions are also responsible for:

• Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.

• Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.

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

Physical Activities: This is largely a sedentary role; however, some lifting may be required. This would require the ability to lift, bend or stand as necessary. The employee may occasionally lift or move objects up to 25 pounds.

Requirements

Qualifications

Experience: • 3 years of prior photonics lab experience is desirable.

Education: • Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Lasers, Engineering, or a closely related field or bachelor’s degree plus 3-5 years equivalent work experience.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills: • Strong interpersonal skills for working in a team environment.

• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English.

• Excellent organizational and planning skills.

• Ability to multitask, be detail oriented, and solve problems, all while under tight time constraints.

• Willing to constantly learn new technologies/products and their applications.

• Strong bias for action.

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.