Previewing Pathways in Spectroscopy: What Does it Mean to be a Product Manager?

During the month of February, we have been posting about a multipart video series featuring John Margeson, who is a Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific, that explores the latest trends and advancements in handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrumentation. Part 1 of our conversation with Margeson focused on what he was hearing from customers about XRF instrumentation. Margeson explained that customer feedback has centered around three main areas: ergonomics, performance, and price-to-value considerations.¹ In particular, customers wanted to see that new handheld XRF devices contain advanced software and hardware upgrades that can translate to better and faster analytical results.¹

Part 2 of our conversation with Margeson highlighted how Thermo Scientific’s Niton handheld XRF analyzers are engineered to meet the demanding needs of high-volume scrap recycling.² His insights here illuminated how instrument manufacturers, such as Thermo Fisher Scientific, are striving to meet the needs, demands, and expectations of their customers in this space.

But that was only part of the conversation we had with him.

In an upcoming “Pathways in Spectroscopy,” episode, we shift our focus from handheld XRF instrumentation to careers in product management. John Margeson will discuss what it is like to work as a product manager for a major scientific instrument company. He also will discuss the skills and qualifications needed to excel in his role.

For all those spectroscopists or young researchers who are interested in pursuing a career in industry rather than academia, this is the conversation that you’re going to want to listen to. We cannot wait to share it with you soon.

About “Pathways in Spectroscopy”

Spectroscopy’s “Pathways in Spectroscopy” is an ongoing, short-form video series that spotlights careers in spectroscopy and other career-related topics. Our focus on professional development in the spectroscopy field covers several key areas researchers and spectroscopists are interested in, such as navigating transitions between academia and industry, building technical and soft skills, identifying career advancement opportunities, and understanding emerging trends in analytical instrumentation and applications.³

About the Expert

John Margeson is the Product Manager at Thermo Fisher Scientific responsible for Thermo Scientific™ Niton™ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) products. He works at the intersection of XRF instrument development, real-world applications, and customer needs, helping translate complex elemental analysis challenges into practical solutions. With deep hands-on experience in XRF analyzers and their use across industrial and scientific markets, John supports customers in applying Niton™ XRF for fast, reliable material identification and elemental analysis.

References

1. Margeson, J.; Wetzel, W. Addressing Industry Challenges in Handheld XRF Instrumentation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/addressing-industry-challenges-in-handheld-xrf-instrumentation (accessed 2026-02-11).
2. Margeson, J.; Wetzel, W. Light-Metal Sorting and Rugged Engineering in Handheld XRF Instrumentation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/light-metal-sorting-and-rugged-engineering-in-handheld-xrf-instrumentation (accessed 2026-02-11).
3. Wetzel, W. Previewing Pathways in Spectroscopy: Starting A Spectroscopy Business. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/previewing-pathways-in-spectroscopy-starting-a-spectroscopy-business (accessed 2026-02-11).