Senior Crystallographer

Placements24; Kimberley; On-site; CAD 103,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

Access to advanced X-ray diffraction

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Crystallographer for a state-of-the-art research facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role focuses on determining and analyzing 3D structures of crystalline materials using X-ray diffraction, including single-crystal and powder methods, and providing insights to projects across materials science, chemistry and solid-state physics.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in a related field with at least 5 years of hands-on experience and proficiency with SHELX,

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science or related field with crystallography specialization.
• Minimum 5 years direct experience in single-crystal and/or powder X-ray diffraction.
• Proficiency with crystallographic software packages and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute X-ray diffraction experiments (single-crystal and powder).
• Collect and process diffraction data using modern diffractometers and software.
• Solve and refine crystal structures with appropriate crystallographic packages.
• Interpret structural data to understand material properties, bonding, and phase behavior.
• Characterize materials using microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with researchers across disciplines to address structural questions.
• Maintain and operate crystallographic equipment to ensure performance.
• Troubleshoot experimental and data processing issues.
• Stay updated with advancements in crystallographic methods and software.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to teams and collaborators.

Education

PhD in Chemistry/Physics/Materials Science (Crystallography)

Tools

SHELX

Olex2

TOPAS

GSAS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Crystallographer to join their state-of-the-art research facility in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is integral to determining and analyzing the three-dimensional structures of crystalline materials, which is critical for understanding their properties and developing new applications. You will be responsible for collecting and processing X-ray diffraction data, solving crystal structures, and interpreting the results to provide actionable insights. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background in crystallography and diffraction techniques, coupled with extensive hands-on experience with single-crystal and powder diffraction methods. You will work in a collaborative research environment, contributing to projects across materials science, chemistry, and solid-state physics. This position offers a unique opportunity to utilize advanced instrumentation and contribute to significant scientific discoveries in Kimberley, Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute X-ray diffraction experiments, including single-crystal and powder diffraction.
• Collect and process diffraction data using modern diffractometers and associated software.
• Solve and refine crystal structures using appropriate crystallographic software packages.
• Interpret structural data to understand material properties, bonding, and phase behavior.
• Characterize materials using complementary techniques such as microscopy and spectroscopy.
• Collaborate with research scientists from various disciplines to address specific structural questions.
• Maintain and operate crystallographic equipment, ensuring optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot experimental and data processing issues related to crystallography.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in crystallographic methods and software.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings to internal teams and potentially external collaborators.

Requirements

• PhD in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field with a specialization in Crystallography.
• Minimum of 5 years of direct experience in single-crystal and/or powder X-ray diffraction.
• Proven ability to collect, process, and analyze diffraction data and solve complex crystal structures.
• Proficiency with crystallographic software packages (e.g., SHELX, Olex2, TOPAS, GSAS).
• Strong understanding of diffraction theory, symmetry operations, and structural analysis principles.
• Experience with various types of diffractometers (e.g., single-crystal, powder) and associated detectors.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage laboratory operations efficiently.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending scientific conferences.
• Access to state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction instrumentation.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.