Applications Research Scientist

Ready to make massive impact with microscopic magic?

Are you an Applications Research Scientist who enjoys working creatively and solving problems at pace occasionally and at times through your in-depth understanding of experimental testing and ability to think critically?

Reward and Benefits: 

• £35,000 to 42,000 (depending on experience) 


• 25 days annual leave, death in service and private health care benefits, personal pension contributions of 4% with salary sacrifice and a generous EMI Share scheme

Based in Abingdon, Oxford, UK, we are a high calibre team of 100 plus people and we are growing fast. We are backed by global financial and industry investors including Applied Ventures, the strategic venture arm of the industry leading equipment company.

About the role: 

A typical day for an Applications Research Scientist could look like this:

(The team meets for a 30min daily catchup aimed at learning from the previous day, planning for the day and adjusting direction when new information is brought up.)

Research requires a constant exposition towards broader horizon. Consequently, this role will include short placement in other departments within the company (e.g. engineering, manufacturing, service, etc…) as well as topic specific training when and where the company and personal goals of the applicant are aligned. 

The role can also include short trips to customer sites of up to 1 week.

• Testing new prototype features and giving straight-up feedback to the developers


• Validating how new functionality performs and spotting anything that needs tightening


• Characterising challenging nanostructures and figuring out what their behaviour is saying


• Suggesting tweaks to the development path to make the user workflow smoother


• Processing and analysing images to pull out the key performance metrics


• Chatting with teams across hardware, software, and science to understand how different parts of the instrument work


• Documenting learning in language which is understandable


• Doing quick-turnaround data checks on tool logs to spot trends or issues fast

 Who we are looking for:

To succeed as an Applications Research Scientist, we do need you to have proficiency with:

• Working with instrumentation for technology or science 


• Prototyping and integrating instrumentation 


• Instrument testing and validation 


• Semiconductor characterisation 


• Data analysis and algorithmic skills 


• Proficiency in data analysis tools: Python, Matlab, Excel

 Nice to have:

• Nano-characterisation: Scanning electron microscopy/ Focused Ion Beam/ Profilers 

Education / Qualifications: 

• Either a BSc/BEng/Msc in Physics, Engineering, or similar, or a clear equivalent path through relevant apprenticeship or accumulated experience (circa 5 years)

We look for these attributes for our team:

• Self-management: Able to work independently, setting priorities for own work based upon the company goals and targets.


• Teamwork: Engages with other members of the company to bring the best solutions to the problem. Recognise the value that fellow company members bring to enhance own abilities. Supports colleagues with their tasks when critical to the company goals.


• Impact and Influence: Establishes themselves as the knowledge centre in their own field.


• Ownership & Initiative: React and address both short- and medium-term issues and proactively takes action to solve them.


• Results Orientation: Focus on the company goal, avoid distraction, making timely decisions to achieve the target.

A bit about us: 

Infinitesima is a privately owned company founded in 2001, as a spin-out of the University of Bristol, by CTO Professor Andrew Humphris. Our dynamic team of scientists and engineers is focussed on enabling the next generation of semiconductor devices through delivery of innovative products to customers around the world. 

Our strength lies in the varied perspectives that come from different cultures, experiences, and identities. We believe that true innovation is fuelled by collaboration, locally and globally. We strive to foster an environment where everyone can contribute meaningfully and thrive. If you require adjustments to take part in the recruitment process, please let us know, we’ll do our best to support you.

Note to recruitment agencies: Infinitesima Ltd only works with approved agencies and does not accept unsolicited agency CVs. Please do not submit candidate details in response to this advert, or to any Infinitesima Ltd employees. Infinitesima Ltd is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

 Please reach out to me at [email protected] if you'd like to chat about the role