Product Specialist, Biotechnology

The Product Specialist coordinates strategic and tactical marketing activities that preserve LI-COR's position as a leading supplier of analytical solutions used in protein imaging research. The Product Specialist is expected to constantly improve the information exchange between external and internal resources to assist with product line maintenance, new product development and vertical market pursuits. With experience and an increased understanding of customer expectations and product capabilities, the Product Specialist is expected to matriculate to a Product Manager position within the marketing team.

Professional Qualifications

Education

• B.S. in biological or life sciences or related field.

Experience

• Understanding and practical experience in biology, chemistry, life sciences, or related field.
• Understanding of techniques, procedures and instrumentation fundamental to the relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience and aptitude applying scientific, marketing and sales skills in a business environment. Experience in technical sales, technical support, marketing and/or product development.

General

• Demonstrated excellence in both verbal and written communications.
• Demonstrated ability to listen and understand and excellence in interpersonal communications.
• Willing to take personal responsibility for tasks with a "get it done" mentality, including hands-on activities and customer interaction.
• Developed sense of drive, consistently high energy level, high curiosity and creativity, technical proficiency, problem solving ability and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and to manage multiple detailed projects accurately.
• High ethics, integrity, honesty and patience.
• Able to travel (US and international).

Position Responsibilities

Specific

PRODUCT LINE MAINTENANCE and PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

• Product line maintenance: In conjunction with the product manager, oversee and/or make recommendations for product updates, upgrades, recalls and quality issues for the assigned products. With direction from the product managers and VP of Marketing, maintain pricebooks, generate part numbers and kits, and shape messaging. Coordinate the activities with the internal stakeholders including science and support, R&D, engineering and sales and marketing.
• Participate on product development teams. Assist product managers for assigned product line(s) in creating clear and concise requirements documents for the project team. Participate in the product development process from conception through launch, including the testing of new products and measurement protocols, project documentation, identifying and maintaining interactions with beta sites, and the release to manufacturing and product launch process.

MARKETING

• Conduct market research for new and existing areas and gather market information, including customer needs, product information, competitive analysis, market size and share of LI-COR and competitors, market trends, etc.
• Lead the development of product messaging for promotional literature, web content and technical literature, working with the product team.
• Establish and maintain relationships with installed customer base and potential new customers in order to support new product ideation and development efforts.

TECHNICAL SALES and SUPPORT

• Assist with supporting sales and participate in exhibitions, workshops and product demonstrations.
• Provide product and campaign training for internal staff and distributors relating to instrument function, configuration, applications, and campaigns.
• Coordinate and organize the exchange of information between sales, support and customers, and the product marketing team.
• Develop and maintain necessary scientific and instrument experience to be proficient and stay current on assigned product lines.

GENERAL

• Read journal articles, newsletters, product literature and other sources that present information about the marketplace, competition, new techniques and technologies. Conduct internet searches for relevant information.
• The position will involve moderate travel (domestic and international), including scientific conferences, exhibitions and customer visits.
• Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly.
• Other job related duties as assigned.