The solution-seeker …

By Sylvie Lemieux

The lead mission of the scientific researcher is to develop and implement research programs with a view to resolving different types of problems. This may entail fine-tuning a new product or improving a production process in response to market needs or in collaboration with other companies.

We must dispel the image of the researcher perpetually hunched over instruments and alone in a laboratory. In fact, this individual executes a variety of tasks and works closely with a team of specialists, technicians and/or technologists. The researcher is the one who devises the research plans thereby determining the objectives to attain, identifies which problems to analyze, as well as the research parameters, necessary resources, etc. He or she also refines the measuring methods used for prototype or product performance tests. A significant amount of the work is carried out in a clean room, working with a wide assortment of instruments relating to the field of optics and photonics.

In some cases, the researcher is also involved in the production phase, designing and experimenting with the production prototypes and making the necessary adjustments to attain the desired results. He or she serves as a resource person in the event that a problem arises anywhere along the production chain. The marketing or customer service departments often refer to the scientific researcher when they have technical questions.

One item on the researcher's long list of responsibilities is project management. As such, he or she must analyze requests that are sent, plan the research procedure, devise schedules, participate in staff hiring and supervise the team's work. The individual must also put in place the management tools necessary for project follow-up: team meetings, written communications, work reports and documents, regular visits to the clean room, etc. Moreover, he or she must draft client user and maintenance guides as well as a variety of documents for personnel and the researcher's own superiors (research reports, graphs, etc.).

It is also imperative that the scientific researcher stay abreast of the latest discoveries and developments in his or her field. This is perhaps more important in the optics and photonics industries, where technological advancements are fast and frequent. Moreover, the scientific researcher must circulate the results of his or her work either through the publication of articles in specialized magazines or during events bringing together industry stakeholders. Advanced training

To work as a scientific researcher in the field of optics-photonics, a PhD or Master's degree in physical engineering or electrical engineering is required. Graduate programs in physics or physical engineering with a profile in photonics are also popular options. For some positions, university training at the bachelor's level can be adequate. In addition to diplomas, practical experience of six months to three years in the area of optics-photonics procedures, techniques and applications is also required.

A mixed bag of skills

Due to the extensive nature of the tasks involved, the scientific researcher must demonstrate a variety of skills. He or she must demonstrate heightened scientific curiosity, an analytical and synthetic spirit, a keen sense of observation and the ability to reason. Of course, manual dexterity is also a must. These skills can come in handy when facing a complex problem, since it is up to the scientific researcher to uncover the source and find a solution. To do so, this individual must rely on his or her creativity, patience and perseverance.

As he or she is often the leader of a multidisciplinary team, the researcher must demonstrate leadership and know how to effectively communicate with employees and superiors. The scientific researcher normally has many projects on the go at once. This requires heightened management skills, flexibility, the potential to adapt quickly to change and the ability to demonstrate resistance to stress. Lastly, proficiency in French and English, both oral and written, is essential.