Pathways in Spectroscopy, Episode 1: Sarah Theiner on Transitioning from Research to Sales

“Pathways in Spectroscopy,” a short-form video series focused on professional development in the spectroscopy field, covers topics such as building technical and soft skills, navigating transitions between academia and industry, identifying career advancement opportunities, and understanding emerging trends in analytical instrumentation and applications (1). Each episode features practical advice and personal insights from scientists shaping their own career paths. Episodes will be published on the Spectroscopy website in the “Shorts” section, and accessible through the “News” tab on the homepage (1).

In the first episode of “Pathways in Spectroscopy,” we sat down with Sarah Theiner, recipient of Spectroscopy’s 2026 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy. Theiner currently serves as a Sales Manager at Nu Instruments. However, before joining them, Theiner was a Teaching Assistant and Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Vienna, where she worked on developing bioimaging workflows and methods for laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–time of flight mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-TOFMS) (2). In addition, she helped develop high-throughput methods for multielement analysis of trace elements in biological samples (2).

In this “Pathways in Spectroscopy” episode, Theiner discusses what her career transition from research to sales was like, and how her experience at the University of Vienna prepared her for the rigors of her new role at Nu Instruments.

Sarah Theiner: For approximately one year, I have worked for Nu instruments as a Sales Manager, and also as an Application Specialist for ICP-TOFMS and glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). My academic background helps me assist customers with their questions regarding metal development for the ICP-TOFMS, and especially for bioimaging applications. But I also have been able to learn now new applications, such as geological applications, as I have more the biological background. I also moved two years ago to Bozeman, Montana, so I'm based now there, where I do my work trying to help our current customers, acquire new customers, and get them excited for ICP-TOFMS.

References

1. Wetzel, W. Spectroscopy Announces Launch of Pathways in Spectroscopy Video Series. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/spectroscopy-announces-launch-of-pathways-in-spectroscopy-video-series (accessed 2026-01-26).
2. Wetzel, W. Sarah Theiner on Winning Spectroscopy’s 2026 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/sarah-theiner-on-winning-spectroscopy-s-2026-emerging-leader-in-atomic-spectroscopy-award (accessed 2026-01-26).