Scientific Business Developer - Optics and Photonics (80-100%)

Zurich Instruments is a technology leader in advanced test and measurement instruments and in control electronics for quantum computing. Since the beginning, we have worked together with our customers and partners to advance the frontiers of science.

Today we are supporting a large community of users to leverage our products for their research in many challenging research fields. To develop further our customer base, ensure their success and to pursue new activities in the EMEA region, we are looking to grow our team of Application Scientists in Zurich or Munich.

In this role, you will work closely with our users by assuming an active, technical involvement in our sales and business development activities. You will engage with existing and prospective accounts, learn about both our market and customers and contribute to our mutual success.

You will be part of our application scientist team and work in a diverse and international high-tech environment where personal development and team spirit form the basis of our success. Flexible working conditions and an open and transparent company culture make it enjoyable to work with us. Company-wide cooperation and distributed decision-making allow you to take responsibility and generate substantial impact with your own ideas from the start. You will be able to contribute to our company’s strategy, goals, and success from the first day.

A motivated and friendly team is looking forward to your application!

Your responsibilities

• Act as Zurich Instruments’ photonics business owner, driving growth in this application area.
• Proactively identify, qualify, and pursue new business opportunities – from initial outreach and cold calls to customer acquisition and account development.
• Provide application-specific customer support, including on-site test measurements and system integration.
• Conduct market analyses to understand trends, map the competitive landscape, and prioritize target markets and customer segments.
• Build and expand relationships with customers, research institutions, and industry players to establish Zurich Instruments as a trusted partner in photonics.
• Represent Zurich Instruments at conferences, trade shows, and networking events, generating leads and building visibility.
• Work closely with product management to align business opportunities with product development.
• Contribute to go-to-market strategies and business cases for new opportunities.

Your profile

• Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field, with strong expertise in optics and photonics.
• Demonstrated experience in business development, sales, or market development within a technical/scientific environment.
• Track record of success in customer acquisition, lead generation, and relationship building.
• Broad instrumentation knowledge and understanding of signal processing (lock-in amplifiers, PIDs, AWGs) with practical lab experience.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills; fluency in English is a must.
• Entrepreneurial, proactive, and results-driven mindset with a strong sense for opportunities and markets.
• Team player with enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, high-tech environment.
• Willingness to travel internationally (30–40%).