Senior Assistant Manager/ Manager (X-ray crystallographer)

The School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB), is seeking an experienced and highly motivated lab manager/senior assistant manager to join our team. The School is committed to developing programmes that offer cutting-edge lifelong learning solutions and globally recognised qualification accessible by aspiring professionals and lifelong learner.  

The Lab Manager/ Senior Assistant Manager turns complex diffraction and scattering data into clear, reliable answers for researchers and will provide specialised expertise and technical support in X-ray crystallography and crystal structure determination to support research, teaching and advanced analytical needs within CCEB and across NTU. The role is critical in ensuring continuity of crystallography capabilities, maintaining high standards of structural analysis services, supporting postgraduate and undergraduate training, and facilitating succession planning and knowledge transfer for the University’s crystallography infrastructure and research support functions.

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Structural analysis and scientific interpretation

• Assess sample and crystal suitability before and during data collection, and advise researchers on crystal growth, sample preparation and the most suitable technique.
• Interpret diffraction and scattering results for single crystal, powder and nanostructure samples.
• Validate structures and results, and support their deposition in the Structural Database.
• Combine results from X-ray diffraction, XPS and nanostructure analysis to answer the question the researcher is asking, and explain the findings clearly.
• Develop and validate analytical methods, standards and workflows, and advise on equipment upgrades.

2. X-ray Crystallography Laboratory Management and Technical Support

• Maintain and manage the X-ray crystallography laboratory, instruments and related facilities.
• Perform crystal selection, mounting, data collection, structure solving, refinement and preparation of crystallographic reports.
• Ensure proper calibration, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and coordination with vendors for equipment servicing.
• Maintain proper documentation, sample records, software licences and laboratory safety compliance.
• Support research projects and analytical requirements for faculty, researchers, postgraduate students and external collaborators.

3. User Training, Teaching and Capability Development

• Train and guide new users on X-ray crystallography instrumentation, software and data interpretation.
• Develop user competency, SOPs and training materials for laboratory operations and safety practices.
• Support teaching activities and practical sessions by delivering lectures and crystallography analysis computer lab sessions for graduate courses CM7012/CM6810 (Advanced Chemical Instrumentation).
• Provide consultation and technical advice on crystallographic applications and experimental design.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer for crystallography expertise and laboratory operations.

4. XPS Laboratory Management and Technical Support

• Maintain and manage the XPS laboratory and related analytical instrumentation.
• Train and certify new users on XPS operations, safety procedures and data analysis.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting and coordination with vendors for servicing and repairs.
• Support analytical services and technical consultation for research use.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and operational procedures.

Requirements 

• PhD in Chemistry with at least 5 years of experience in small molecules single crystal X-ray crystallography.
• Doctoral research experience of 3 to 4 years in small molecule single crystal X-ray crystallography will also be considered. Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex or ambiguous results and explain findings clearly to researchers.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and manage communication tasks across different platforms.
• Able to perform crystal elucidation.
• Able to operate XRD systems, including operations, maintenance and training.

The appointment title offered will commensurate with candidate’s prior work experiences. We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.