Director, X-Ray Crystallography Facility (XRCF)

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a Director for the X-Ray Crystallography Facility (XRCF) in the Department of Chemistry. You will lead operations, services, and education, driving new campus users, equipment, and collaborations.

The role includes pursuing grants, expanding external revenue, and teaching graduate and undergraduate crystallography courses. The position reports to the Associate Head for Research and Operations and requires leadership in safety, compliance, and facility

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Chemistry, Crystallography, Materials Science, or a related field.
• 1+ years hands-on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, structure solution, and instrument maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the X-ray Crystallography Facility and maintain equipment.
• Collect high-quality data, solve crystal structures, and collaborate on publications.
• Pursue internal and external grants to upgrade instrumentation, including PXRD expansion.
• Build external revenue by engaging internal users, academics, and industry partners.
• Teach a graduate course in X-ray crystallography and two undergraduate courses as assigned.

Skills

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction

Structure solution

Instrument maintenance

Grant writing

Teaching

Crystallographic software

Communication

Client outreach

Education

Ph.D. in Chemistry/Crystallography/Materials Science

Tools

OLEX2

SHELX

Billing software

PXRD instrumentation

Job description

About the Job

Working title: Director, X-Ray Crystallography Facility (XRCF)
Department of Chemistry
University of Minnesota

Job Title: Fellow
Job Class: 9752
Employee Class: Professional and Administrative (Academic job family)
Appointment Term: 12-month
Appointment Type: Annually Renewable
Salary Range: $80,000 - $105,000, depending on qualifications and experience
Reports To: Associate Head for Research and Operations

Position Overview: The Department of Chemistry seeks a dynamic Director for the X-Ray Crystallography Facility (XRCF) to lead technical operations, scientific services, and educational missions in single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, pursuing new campus users, new equipment, and new collaborations. The Director ensures research momentum, pursues grant funding, and expands external user revenue. The Director will also be responsible for contributing to the teaching mission of the department through teaching a graduate class on x-ray crystallography and two other undergraduate courses as assigned. The Director will make decisions in consultation with the assigned faculty lead for the facility. The position reports to the Associate Head for Research and Operations.

Key Responsibilities

50%

• Facility Operations & Maintenance: Oversee day-to-day operations, hardware/software maintenance, and quality control of diffractometers and cooling systems. Train and supervise students and postdoctoral associate users of the facility.
• Scientific Services: Collect high-quality data, solve complex crystal structures, and collaborate with researchers on data interpretation and publications.
• Grant Writing & Development: Work with the facility's faculty lead to pursue internal and external grants to upgrade instrumentation, including evaluating possible powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) expansion.
• Revenue & Outreach: Build professional business relationships with internal users, academic institutions, and industry partners. Collaborate with department leadership and college advancement on sponsorships and philanthropy.
• Safety & Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to safety and radiation safety regulations and compliance issues.
• Supervision: training and oversight of 1 part-time TA when assigned to support the instrument facility

50%

• Teaching & Classroom Instruction: Serve as the instructor of record and lead the annual, single-crystal crystallography graduate course. Serve as instructor of records for two undergraduate courses per year that include General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, and/or Physical Chemistry. Deliver individual lectures and/or modules on crystallography that are integrated into other courses. Coordination of any assigned Teaching Assistants.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Crystallography, Materials Science, or a related field.
• Experience: 1 or more years of hands‑on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, structure solution, and instrument maintenance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skills: Expertise in crystallographic software (e.g., OLEX2, SHELX), strong service-oriented communication and teaching skills, and a proven aptitude for grant writing and client outreach. Experience with business functions and billing software.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of hands‑on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction, structure solution, and instrument maintenance. Facility management experience preferred. Classroom teaching experience preferred.

About the Department

The Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota (UMN) provides a world‑class education through classroom teaching and cutting‑edge research. As a central, core discipline in science and engineering, chemistry is critical for solving society's most important problems and making significant positive impacts on human health, energy, and the environment. Our department of has been a national and international leader throughout its history. A wide range of companies and academic institutions from across the world hire our graduates and collaborate with us on research. Department of Chemistry alumni have enormous societal impact as academicians, K‑12 teachers, scientists and managers in industrial and government laboratories, lawyers, public policy advocates, entrepreneurs, and in a diverse array of other fields. The department has 38 faculty member, 30 staff members, 25 post‑doctoral associates and 230 graduate students.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $80,000 - $105,000 per year; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Faculty and P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree‑seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.