Senior Science Writer & Photonics Content Strategist in Cardiff

As a Senior Science Writer, you will be responsible for strengthening Thorlabs’ position as a leading manufacturer of Photonics products through the creation of effective technical presentations, application images, videos, and other marketing collateral that inform and educate the photonics community about Thorlabs’ products/capabilities and their applications. You will be required to use photonics knowledge gained through extensive hands‑on laboratory experience combined with knowledge through discussion with engineers. This role will define and drive the forward movement of the organization’s customer‑centric marketing efforts. This role is based in the UK but you may need to attend tradeshows and activities at other Thorlabs locations; travel will be involved.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 am – 5.30 pm to support the US team (Hybrid working available 3:2)

Department: Sales / Marketing

What we would like you to do:

• Project Management: Plans, develops, and executes the successful and timely delivery of high‑quality technical content in support of New Product Introduction (NPI), website updates, product discontinuation/supersession, acquisitions, tradeshows, social media posts, video/animation projects, or other marketing collateral.
• Project Oversight: Leads projects or ad hoc teams as needed to meet business needs.
• Content Strategy: Ensures customers can make informed and efficient decisions on which product(s) best serve their needs amidst a portfolio of 20,000+ items, developing/implementing proposals for website (re)organization as needed.
• Timely Updates: Consistently meets deadlines, producing technically accurate content that meets company standards all while handling multiple projects at different stages of production and at all levels of technical difficulty.
• Communication: Guides graphics and digital marketing staff by clearly and effectively communicating desired outcomes to obtain the necessary images, videos, and animations for a successful presentation.
• Coaching/Mentorship: Able to coach junior team members and assist Editorial Content Strategists by reviewing updates to presentations created by other Science Writers to support NPI, product revisions, product feedback, and general website improvements, ensuring they follow Thorlabs’ standards and are technically sound.
• Website Enhancements: Collaborates with the eCommerce Project Manager and marketing management to develop, test and implement tools (e.g., configurators) that are necessary for new product introduction or an improved customer buying experience.
• Product Road Mapping: Provides feedback to aid in defining new products and/or product enhancements through participation in the internal product development forum.

What is essential to us:

• Advanced degree in Physics, Optics, Lasers, or a closely related field or a bachelor’s degree plus 10 years of equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years of significant hands‑on laboratory experience and familiarity with photonics equipment.
• Expertise in writing brand‑consistent content that meets project goals and addresses user needs.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Great presentation and communication skills with the ability to understand the audience, structure effective presentations, and distill key messages to effectively inform and persuade.
• Ability to flourish with minimal guidance, in a dynamic, fast‑changing environment, and to be proactive in times of ambiguity.
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English.
• Ability to multitask, be detail‑oriented, and solve problems, all while under tight time constraints.
• Familiarity with SEO best practices.

What will you get:

• At Thorlabs there are lots of opportunities for on‑site customised training and development that accelerates your career progression.
• We have free onsite parking, free refreshments, and an entertainment area in our large canteen for your enjoyment.
• Benefits: Competitive salary to attract the best, Pension scheme, Health care, 25 days holiday plus public holidays, Contributed Pension Scheme, Group life cover, Private health care, Group income protection & more.

We welcome applications from persons who are over 18 years old. This is a legal requirement. This role does not currently meet the UK Visas and Immigration criteria for obtaining a Skilled Worker Visa; therefore, we are unable to accept applications that require employer sponsorship in order to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa. All offers of employment are subject to eligibility to work in the UK. We would encourage all internal applicants to inform their line managers of their interest in this position. We are Disability Confident Committed. In line with the requirements of the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006, all applicants must have a valid permission to enter or remain in the UK with no condition that prevents them from working in the UK. Documented evidence of such permission will be required as part of the recruitment process.