Position Title Senior Scientist
Reports to VP, Science & Technology
Department Science & Technology
Date Posted October 18, 2011
General Accountabilities:
Smiths Detection has an immediate opening for an independent, self- motivated scientist who can provide exemplary technical leadership in the development of field portable mass spectrometers for defense and homeland security applications. Smiths Detection is the industry leader in detection technology for homeland security and military applications. This position is located at Smiths Detection’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario but requires frequent interfacing with Smiths’ Science and Technology groups in the US and UK.
The responsibilities of this position are to provide innovative, technical leadership in the development of mass spectrometers, ion sources and related sampling methods to apply to emerging detection problems in homeland security and the military. A proven track record with mass spectrometers, preferably ion traps, is required. The position requires the ability to interface across various scientific and engineering disciplines as needed, as well as the ability to reach out to on- and off-site functional groups within Smiths to provide high-level technical thought leadership and innovation. The ability to initiate and maintain a government funded research program is expected. Significant effort would be applied to instrument development research and interfacing with engineers and other scientists. The position is responsible for the translation of initially ill-posed problems into well defined test concepts, and experimental designs, followed by analytical method development, ‘hands-on’ testing, technology evaluation and transfer, and analyzing and reporting results. The successful candidate will contribute to company intellectual property and will bring in new technologies and concepts. Other responsibilities will include writing proposals and securing government funding for research projects, participating in high-level meetings, delivering technical presentations, and generating technical content – reports, articles, specifications, presentations, patent disclosures, or application notes.
In addition to strong technical and interpersonal skills, this position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills. While a Ph.D. in the physical, chemical or engineering sciences is desired, any candidate having a demonstrated record of excellence in the job requirements will be considered. The candidate must hold passports only in ITAR regulated countries due to projects that deal with sensitive security information.
Specific Accountabilities:
• Establish and maintain a high level of professionalism.
• Test and modify mass spectrometry based systems to expand Smiths Detection’s markets.
• Prepare reports, IP disclosures, specifications, presentations, articles and application notes to support Smiths Detection technologies or projects.
• Provide creative, innovative resource for development of new technologies.
• Provide technical evaluations of prototypes, new technologies, or new products.
• Secure government funding for technology development
• Provide an external scientific expertise presence to the scientific community.
Qualifications:
Education/Training: Ph.D. Degree in a Physical Science or Engineering. Experienced
candidates with lesser academic credentials may be considered.
Experience: 0-5 years post-doctoral experience in scientific research, technology
development, engineering, and/or product development. Hands-on experience in developing
detection equipment is preferred.
Knowledge/Skills:
• Expert scientific skills.
• Knowledge of scientific instrumentation and method development.
• Highly motivated, confident, and self reliant.
Interested candidates may apply in writing with a resume to Julia Barnum in the Human Resources Department until October 25 , 2011. All internal candidates must complete an internal application.
Fulltime and contract Smiths employees are welcome to submit candidate referrals and become eligible to receive a $500 dollar reward payment for successful placements. Please see Human Resources for further details about our Employee Referral Program
Smiths Detection is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, aboriginal peoples, visible minorities and people with disabilities
