Scientific Officer - AR2704CM

University of St Andrews; St Andrews; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation contribution

USS Pension Scheme with 14.5% employer

Hybrid working environment

Staff discount scheme

Free staff parking and carshare

Cycle to Work Scheme

Subsidised local bus travel

Subsidised sports membership

Tuition fees discount for staff

LinkedIn Learning and library access

Salary sacrifice scheme

34 Days Annual Leave + 5 Public Hholid

Job summary

The School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews seeks an experienced Scientific Officer with expertise in small molecule crystallography to join its single-crystal diffraction facility. Working with Dr David Cordes, you will use advanced diffraction instrumentation to tackle challenging structural problems and deliver high-quality results across diverse projects.

You will also become familiar with the School's powder X-ray diffraction facilities, providing essential support for their

Qualifications

• Experienced crystallographer with expertise in small molecule crystallography.
• Proven ability to operate advanced diffraction instrumentation.
• Collaborative scientist able to support researchers across a range of projects.
• Familiarity with powder X-ray diffraction facilities and their operation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist crystallography expertise to researchers in the School of Chemistry.
• Utilise advanced diffraction instrumentation to deliver high-quality structural solutions.
• Support and optimise the operation of both single-crystal and powder X-ray facilities.
• Collaborate with Dr David Cordes and others to tackle challenging structural problems.

Skills

Small molecule crystallography

X-ray crystallography

Tools

Single-crystal X-ray diffractometer

Powder X-ray diffractometer

Job description

The School of Chemistry at the University of St Andrews is seeking an experienced Scientific Officer with expertise in small molecule crystallography to join its single-crystal diffraction facility. Working closely with Dr David Cordes (X-ray Crystallographer) the postholder will use advanced diffraction instrumentation to tackle challenging structural problems and help deliver high-quality structural solutions across a diverse range of research projects. You will work directly with researchers across the School, providing specialist expertise and helping them make the most of the facility's capabilities.

In addition, the postholder will become familiar with the School's powder X-ray diffraction facilities, providing essential support for their effective operation.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced crystallographer who enjoys scientific problem-solving, advanced instrumentation and collaborative research, and who would like to play a key role in supporting an important resource for the School's research activities. We are looking for a collaborative scientist who will contribute to the School's research environment and share our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

St Andrews offers more than just a place to work-it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best.

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Scientific Officer role includes:

• Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution of 14.5%
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people who are currently underrepresented in Scientific Officer roles at the University.

Closing Date: 11 November 2026 Interview Date: W/C 30 November 2026

Chemistry

Salary: Grade 6, £38,784 - £46,049 per annum

Start Date: As soon as possible

Duration: Permanent, Full Time