How Spectroscopists Can Differentiate Themselves from the Competition

At Pittcon 2026, which took place in San Antonio, Texas, Spectroscopy sat down with several key opinion leaders (KOLs) and researchers to discuss the current job market for spectroscopists.^1–3 Through these conversations, it was evident that employers are valuing advanced expertise in not just spectroscopy, but also the application area or industry the candidate is attempting to land a job in. Employers are also looking for candidates to understand artificial intelligence (AI) and its algorithms. Additionally, personal skills like networking, extroversion, and the ability to communicate complex ideas were deemed essential for career advancement. Practical training and early exposure to conferences were recommended for students to enhance their prospects.

What did each expert say regarding the skills that are most important to have when pursuing spectroscopist roles?

Igor Lednev, a Distinguished Professor and Williams-Raycheff Endowed Professor at the University at Albany, State University of New York, emphasized that the combination of spectroscopy expertise and advanced machine learning is highly sought after in both the pharmaceutical industry and forensic laboratories. He noted that this dual competency was the decisive factor in job offers received by his recent Ph.D. graduates.

Naihao Chiang, an assistant professor at the University of Houston, urged students to move beyond treating instruments as black boxes, stressing that a deep understanding of how tools actually work is something AI cannot replicate. He also encourages students to develop "builder" instincts, which is defined as tackling problems where no straightforward technique exists, and to actively learn AI algorithms that can enhance signal-to-noise ratios and reveal subtle spectroscopic features.

Dmitry Kurouski, an associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics, and biomedical engineering at Texas A&M University, highlighted two critical factors. First, spectroscopy rarely exists in isolation; it serves adjacent disciplines like biology, pharmacology, polymer science, and forensics. Researchers must understand the domain-specific questions driving spectroscopic analysis (for example, knowing how drugs are developed if pursuing pharmaceutical work). Second, strong data analysis skills, particularly chemometrics and AI, are increasingly essential. He noted that as spectrometers become easier to operate, the real competitive advantage lies in knowing how to interpret and extract meaning from the spectral data. Salaries are rising for those who combine spectroscopy with strong quantitative skills.

Was there some common agreement between the three experts?

Yes. All three speakers discussed the importance of soft skills, such as networking, communication, and the ability to clearly explain one's work. All three emphasized that these skills are just as important as technical expertise, and as a result, they should be cultivated from the very beginning of graduate training.

References

1. Lednev, I.; Wetzel, W. Detecting, Identifying, and Analyzing Body Fluids Using Raman Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/detecting-identifying-and-analyzing-body-fluids-using-raman-spectroscopy (accessed 2026-04-08).
2. Chiang, N.; Wetzel, W. Expanding Vibrational Nanoscopy in Electrolytic Environments. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/expanding-vibrational-nanoscopy-in-electrolytic-environments (accessed 2026-04-08).
3. Kurouski, D.; Wetzel, W. Using NieRS for Forensic Dye Analysis. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-niers-for-forensic-dye-analysis (accessed 2026-04-08).