ACAD107685

Within the School of Chemistry at the University of Bristol, the X-ray Crystallography Laboratory provides service to support research operations of School and Faculty members as well as to provide occasional service to individuals and agencies external to the University of Bristol on a fee for service basis. The X-ray Research Associate manages the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the facility which houses very valuable and sensitive scientific equipment. The role interacts and supports users (faculty, staff and students) as well as some external users from other Universities and industry to assess research needs and troubleshoot technical issues.

What will you be doing?

The successful applicant will serve as a Research Scientist technical resource person for faculty, research associates, postdoctoral staff, and other students in the development of their research projects. In addition, they will undertake research projects, both independently and in collaboration with faculty members. Such research may be in the acquisition and interpretation of X-ray data for existing research projects or areas of development of new instrumentation and/or techniques. They will also be responsible for maintaining and safely operating X-ray equipment under the jurisdiction of the School of Chemistry, run periodic performance checks on the X-ray equipment as a requirement of compliance and to ensure all instruments are maintained at peak performance.
The successful candidate will also be required to use sound judgement for preliminary diagnosis of X-ray equipment malfunctions and repairs, ensure the instrument performance conforms to standards required for reporting research results and to be responsible for the acquisition of X-ray crystallographic data for clients.
A key part of the role will be to instruct users of the facility on the procedures to have samples analyzed by a Research Scientist and to facilitate their access to the facility as needed.

You will have a Ph.D. in Chemistry or related subject where crystallography featured and proven experience in working with X-ray Crystallography equipment. You must be highly trained and knowledgeable about Crystallography across all branches of Chemistry including Organic, Inorganic, Organometallic and Solid-state Chemistry. You will have a good working knowledge and trained in providing solution and refinement of crystal structure of solids. You will also have knowledge of safety procedures for X-ray equipment, a proven ability to maintain and repair the X-ray equipment and communicate with users. You will also have an ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, excellent written and oral communication skills and advanced experience with Microsoft Office Suite, and various crystallography software packages and databases.