Field Application Scientist

We have an exciting opportunity for a Field Application Scientist on a 12 month fixed term contract as maternity cover to join SPT Labtech, ideally based within easy reach of Cambridge, London or Oxford.

You will be part of the global FAS team, the key interface between Sales, Marketing and our customers. You will provide expert-level support for our liquid handling suite of products across the UK and Europe.

About us

Headquartered in Melbourn, near Cambridge, with operations in the US, UK, Europe and China, SPT Labtech makes products that transform the way scientists work. For over two decades, our scientists, engineers and business innovators have delivered world-leading solutions for liquid handling, sample preparation and sample management that accelerate research and make a real difference to human health.

We work closely with our customers, building trusted relationships that let us deliver personalised experiences designed for real-world challenges in the lab.

Want to be part of a team that's making a difference to human health?

Key responsibilities

We are looking for a personable, well-organised scientist with a strong background in at least one of the applications our instruments are used in, and an interest in all of them. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Pre-sales

• Organise and run on-site instrument demonstrations and remote software demos across all SPT Labtech liquid handlers.
• Deliver pre-sales technical presentations alongside Territory Managers and Product Specialists.

Subject matter and instrument

• Maintain high-level operational knowledge of SPT Labtech and Apricot liquid handling products.
• Maintain high-level subject matter knowledge in relevant application areas.
• Provide ongoing expert support to the FAS, Territory Management and Product Specialist teams.

Training and support

• Arrange and deliver applications-based training to new and existing users of all SPT Labtech instruments.
• Provide ongoing remote and in-person applications support to end users.
• Develop, modify and enhance advanced liquid handling and automation protocols to optimise customer workflows.

Internal support

• Contribute to conference strategy and attend conferences in the UK and Europe.
• Keep customer contacts and applications data for your territory current in Salesforce.
• Mentor and guide Associate FAS colleagues as needed.

Marketing

• Deliver a target volume of marketing content: customer-driven application notes, webinars, instructional videos, and conference presentations and posters.
• Take part in strategic collaborations that regularly generate scientific content.

Customer relationships

• Collect customer feedback on products and software to inform development.
• Maintain strong customer relationships through clear communication, technical support and prompt issue resolution.

Essential skills & experience

• MSc with at least five years’ practical experience, or a PhD with at least two years’ experience, in biological sciences, liquid handling, laboratory automation or a related field. Candidates with significant practical experience in laboratory automation are also strongly encouraged to apply, even if they do not meet the stated academic or experience criteria.
• Working knowledge of NGS methods used in research. Candidates with HTS, assay development, molecular biology or structural biology backgrounds will also be considered.
• Experience with workflow optimisation in genomics, drug discovery and structural biology.
• Right to work in the UK, and willingness to travel extensively (up to 75%), including internationally.
• Excellent organisational, analytical, troubleshooting, record-keeping and communication skills, with a friendly, professional manner.
• Excellent presentation and training skills, with a proven ability to transfer knowledge clearly.
• Able to work efficiently both independently and within a team, towards shared corporate goals.

Desirable

• Hands-on experience with liquid handling and laboratory automation.
• Practical experience in genomics or molecular biology.
• Previous experience in field applications, teaching, marketing or customer service.
• Leadership ability, with a record of mentoring others.
• Additional European language skills (useful for a UK and EU customer base).

Location, travel and working pattern

This is a home-based role, ideally within the London–Cambridge–Oxford triangle. That puts you close to the UK's densest cluster of life science customers, our Melbourn headquarters, and major airports for European travel.

The role involves substantial travel within the UK and throughout Europe, with occasional trips further afield. You will work with colleagues across multiple time zones, so some flexibility in meeting times is needed. In return, you will have flexibility in scheduling customer and colleague appointments, helping you balance work and personal responsibilities.

Our commitment to you

We offer a competitive salary, performance-related bonus and comprehensive benefits, including private medical insurance and a generous pension plan.

We embrace diversity and inclusion, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability or family status. We prioritise supporting our employees' diverse needs as we strive for excellence together.

If this resonates with you, apply with an up-to-date CV and be part of our journey to reshape the future of science.