Senior Assistant Manager / Manager (X-ray Crystallographer)

About the role

The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB) at NTU is seeking an experienced and highly motivated lab manager or senior assistant manager. The role turns complex diffraction and scattering data into clear, reliable answers for researchers, providing specialised expertise and technical support in X-ray crystallography and crystal structure determination. It supports research, teaching and advanced analytical needs, ensures continuity of crystallography capabilities, maintains high standards of structural analysis services, supports postgraduate and undergraduate training, and facilitates succession planning and knowledge transfer.

Key responsibilities

• Assess sample and crystal suitability before and during data collection, advise on crystal growth and sample preparation, and interpret diffraction and scattering results for single crystal, powder and nanostructure samples.
• Validate structures and results, support their deposition in the Structural Database, combine X-ray diffraction, XPS and nanostructure analysis results, and develop and validate analytical methods, standards and workflows.
• Maintain the X-ray crystallography laboratory and instruments, perform crystal selection, mounting, data collection, structure solving, refinement and report preparation, and ensure calibration, preventive maintenance and vendor coordination.
• Maintain documentation, sample records, software licences and laboratory safety compliance, and support faculty, researchers, postgraduate students and external collaborators.
• Train new users on instrumentation, software and data interpretation, develop SOPs and training materials, and deliver lectures and computer lab sessions for graduate courses CM7012/CM6810.
• Maintain the XPS laboratory and related instrumentation, train and certify users, and ensure safety and operational compliance.

Required profile

• PhD in Chemistry with at least 5 years of experience in small-molecule single-crystal X-ray crystallography; 3 to 4 years of doctoral research experience in the same field will also be considered.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders.
• Able to perform crystal elucidation and to operate XRD systems, including operations, maintenance and training.