KENNETH J. SMITH PHD
Westmont,IL
Summary
Experienced analytical chemist with over 30 years of hands-on expertise in spectroscopy (FTIR, Raman), and separation sciences (GC, LC) for materials characterization and nonroutine problem solving. Adept at interpreting complex analytical data. Strong communication skills utilized to demonstrate techniques and technology, explain results of analyses or feasibility studies and develop end-user knowledge.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Training Specialist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
08.2021 - 07.2025
- Developed comprehensive customer training content covering FTIR spectrometer familiarization, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting for bench FTIR and microscope instruments, as well as related software packages including Omnic/Omnic Picta/Omnic Paradigm.
- Ensured technical accuracy, consistency, and branding compliance for team of 12 content creators that produced 85 training modules in 2024 covering GC, IC, LC, MS, ICP, and automated sample prep systems.
- Delivered customized onsite and remote training sessions for molecular spectroscopy customers, tailored to specific use cases such as polymer formulation and pharmaceutical raw material quality control.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support the implementation of internally developed AI tools, including large language models (LLM) that improved access to technical knowledgebase, agent writing process, and presentation of common use cases. Training was provided for over 200 field service engineers.
Technical Support Specialist III
Thermo Fisher Scientific
02.2019 - 08.2021
- Delivered expert-level technical support for FTIR and Raman systems, resolving application and instrumentation issues for customers and field engineers, completing over 800 support requests.
- Advised on spectroscopy application challenges, offering tailored recommendations that improved experimental outcomes and data quality.
- Managed support cases via SAP Cloud for Service and used Remote Digital Support tools to diagnose system issues, reducing average resolution time for customer incidents.
Senior Research Chemist
Microtrace
05.2018 - 02.2019
- As a Senior Research Chemist, employed a suite of analytical tools including polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy with EDS, FTIR, Raman, XRD and GC/MS to solve problems for customers faced with issues such as contamination, formulation changes, and product failure.
Application Scientist
Renishaw Inc.
09.2016 - 05.2018
- Delivered technical demonstrations and customer training of Renishaw inVia Raman microscope systems, supporting successful sales and customer adoption of Raman spectroscopy solutions.
- Training customers in the use of Renishaw WiRE software for Raman experimental setup and data manipulation and review; as well as sample preparation techniques, data collection strategies and instrument optimization.
- Designed Raman spectroscopy applications showcasing system capabilities for forensic, materials science, and pharmaceutical use cases, enhancing customer engagement during evaluations.
Senior Applications Scientist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
04.2004 - 09.2016
- Directed spectroscopy applications laboratory, supporting customer feasibility studies related to spectroscopic analyses for polymers, foods, coatings and forensics.
- Conducted more than 125 hands-on demos and ensured peak performance of suite of FTIR, Raman, and NIR instruments for customer evaluations and support initiatives.
- Delivered post-sale training on spectroscopy software, instrumentation, and sample prep techniques, improving customer ramp-up time and data quality.
- Provided over 100 presentations at Thermo sponsored Spectroscopy Solution Seminars as well as teaching and presenting at Thermo Raman and FTIR Microscopy workshops, and workshops presented in conjunction with technical societies such as Southwest Association of Forensic Scientists conferences and the Midwest Association of Forensics Scientists.
Senior Research Chemist
McCrone Associates
01.1993 - 01.2004
- Performed comprehensive material characterization of contaminants and trace compounds for over 2000 customer projects, across complex matrices, developing custom methods for pharmaceuticals, polymers, and forensic materials, using a wide range of analytical techniques—FTIR, Raman, GC/MS, HPLC, UV/VIS, and light microscopy.
- Spearheaded modernization of analytical instrumentation, introducing Raman microscopy, GC/MS, GC/TEA, HPLC, IC and FTIR microscopy, which expanded lab capabilities and efficiency.
- Served as company safety officer, implementing lab safety protocols that ensured compliance with quality and safety program.
Education
Ph.D. - Analytical Chemistry
Miami University
Oxford, OH12.1992
B.S. - Chemistry
Bradley University
Peoria, IL12.1987
Skills
- Finished products analysis
- Laboratory setup
- Method development
- Recordkeeping and documentation
Timeline
Senior Training Specialist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
08.2021 - 07.2025
Technical Support Specialist III
Thermo Fisher Scientific
02.2019 - 08.2021
Senior Research Chemist
Microtrace
05.2018 - 02.2019
Application Scientist
Renishaw Inc.
09.2016 - 05.2018
Senior Applications Scientist
Thermo Fisher Scientific
04.2004 - 09.2016
Senior Research Chemist
McCrone Associates
01.1993 - 01.2004
Ph.D. - Analytical Chemistry
Miami University
B.S. - Chemistry
Bradley University
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