Best of the Week: The Spectroscopy Job Market, Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometers

This was an interview-heavy week on Spectroscopy. From the current job market for spectroscopists to new developments in battery-operated electron paramagnetic spectrometers, this week’s interviews covered several important topics in analytical spectroscopy.

The job market is tough and figuring out what skills are in demand could be daunting. A compilation of recent conversations with experts in the field sheds light on this moving target, and we’ll discuss it here. Also, a recent study challenged the traditional role of the evanescent field in attenuated total reflection (ATR) spectroscopy, and a new interview highlights a new chip-scale, battery-operated electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer that can help improve laboratory analysis.

This is the Best of the Week.

How Spectroscopists Can Differentiate Themselves from the Competition

At Pittcon 2026 this year, which took place in San Antonio, Texas, experts highlighted evolving expectations for spectroscopists, emphasizing a blend of technical and interpersonal skills. Employers increasingly seek candidates with spectroscopy expertise combined with domain knowledge, artificial intelligence (AI) proficiency, and strong data analysis abilities.¹ Speakers stressed understanding instrumentation beyond “black box” use and developing problem-solving instincts. Equally important are soft skills such as communication and networking.¹ Early practical training and conference participation were recommended to improve job readiness and career advancement opportunities.¹

An Inside Look at the Evanescent Field

In an interview based on a recent Applied Spectroscopy study, Thomas Mayerhofer discussed findings that challenge the traditional role of the evanescent field in ATR spectroscopy.² The research shows that when the rarer medium is absorbing, attenuation arises from transmission rather than evanescent waves. The team also demonstrated continuous system behavior with changing conditions and redefined the critical angle.² These insights refine ATR theory and support improved interpretation of spectroscopic data using wave optics principles.²

The Utility of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometers in Laboratory Analysis

In an interview with Jean-Baptiste David and Serge Gambarelli, researchers discussed a new chip-scale, battery-operated electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrometer unveiled at ISSCC 2026. The device replaces bulky electromagnets with a compact integrated circuit, enabling rapid, sensitive detection of reactive species.³ Its high scan rate and novel phase-detection architecture outperform existing miniaturized systems.³ The portable design expands EPR applications beyond centralized labs to on-site industrial analysis, medical diagnostics, and distributed environmental monitoring.

What Skills Are Needed for Analytical Laboratory Managers?

In a “Pathways in Spectroscopy” interview, Saikat Banerjee of DuPont outlined key skills for aspiring analytical laboratory managers. He emphasized the importance of asking fundamental questions to fully understand sample history and avoid assumptions.⁴ Banerjee advised developing deep technical expertise while also building broad knowledge across multiple analytical tools, as industry problems often require combined approaches.⁴ He also highlighted the value of mentorship and networking, encouraging early-career scientists to connect with professionals to better understand and prepare for leadership roles.⁴

From Spectral Data to Measurement Infrastructure: Scaling Science-Grade Earth Observation

EarthDaily is advancing its Earth observation capabilities with the rollout of its satellite constellation, transitioning from initial validation to operational scale following early data from EDC-01. With six additional satellites launching, the company aims to deliver consistent, daily global measurements rather than simple imagery. Its 16-imager architecture and continuous calibration approach enable high-quality, comparable data across time and regions.⁵ The system is designed to support decision-making through reliable, AI-ready analytics for industries such as agriculture, resource management, and government.⁵

References

1. Lednev, I.; Chiang, N.; Kurouski, D.; Wetzel, W. How Spectroscopists Can Differentiate Themselves from the Competition. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/how-spectroscopists-can-differentiate-themselves-from-the-competition (accessed 2026-04-15).
2. Mayerhofer, T. G.; Wetzel, W. An Inside Look at the Evanescent Field. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/an-inside-look-at-the-evanescent-field (accessed 2026-04-15).
3. David, J.-B.; Gambarelli, S.; Wetzel, W. The Utility of Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectrometers in Laboratory Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-utility-of-electron-paramagnetic-resonance-spectrometers-in-laboratory-analysis (accessed 2026-04-15).
4. Banerjee, S.; Wetzel, W. What Skills Are Needed for Analytical Laboratory Managers? Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/what-skills-are-needed-for-analytical-laboratory-managers- (accessed 2026-04-15).
5. Osborne, D.; Wetzel, W. From Spectral Data to Measurement Infrastructure: Scaling Science-Grade Earth Observation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/from-spectral-data-to-measurement-infrastructure-scaling-science-grade-earth-observation (accessed 2026-04-15).