XRD and Materials Postdoctoral Research Associate

Colorado State University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University’s Analytical Resources Core (ARC) seeks a postdoctoral associate to advance X-ray diffraction workflows for single crystal and powder experiments, and to help deploy new XRD instrumentation. The role combines research on diffuse scattering and PDF analysis with a service component, including instrument maintenance, user training, and data interpretation.

Under ARC lab manager Dr. Ethan Crace and collaborating chemistry faculty, you will document results and contribute

Qualifications

• PhD in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or related physical science.
• Familiarity with X-ray diffraction instrumentation and ionizing radiation safety.
• Experience with powder and/or single-crystal XRD data collection and analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop experimental workflows, SOPs, and guides for acquiring total scattering data on single crystals and powders.
• Independently perform X-ray diffraction/scattering experiments on research samples and user submissions.
• Train and assist X-ray instrument users on procedures and data analysis.
• Communicate results clearly with colleagues and customers, in writing and verbally.
• Document experiments and research in an organized research notebook.
• Maintain X-ray instrumentation and log all activities.

Skills

XRD instrumentation

Powder XRD

Single-crystal XRD

Total scattering

PDF analysis

Data analysis software

Instrumentation maintenance

Education

PhD in Chemistry

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Physics

Tools

Bruker XRD equipment

Anton Paar XRD equipment

DIFFRAC.EVA

TOPAS

XRDdrive

Bruker APEX4

Mercury

CrystalMaker

Job description

Job Description The Analytical Resources Core (ARC) at Colorado State University is seeking a postdoctoral associate to support the X-ray Laboratory in its current operations and develop new workflows/services around the acquisition of a new x-ray diffraction (XRD) instrumentation for single crystal and powder experiments. The position’s research component involves developing new workflows for performing diffuse scattering and pair distribution function (PDF) analysis on a new acquired D8 Venture SCXRD instrument and Anton Paar XRDynamic 500 XRD instrument. Research will be conducted under the supervision of ARC x-ray lab manager, Dr. Ethan Crace, and collaboration with Chemistry Prof. Jamie Neilson. The position also includes a service component where the candidate will aid the ARC x-ray lab manager with management of the x-ray facility including but not limited to: instrument maintenance, overseeing day-to-day operations, training/assisting users, and performing analysis of samples submitted to the ARC.

Full Consideration Date: October 21, 2026, at 11:59 PM (MT)

Target Hire Date: April 1, 2027

Essential Job Duties:

• Develop experimental workflows, SOPs, and guides for the acquisition of total scattering data on single crystal and powder samples.
• Independently perform x-ray diffraction/scattering experiments on research samples (personal and user submitted).
• Train and assist x-ray instrument users on equipment procedures and data analysis.
• Use written and oral communication with colleagues and customers to complete research projects and report results clearly.
• Document all experiments and research in a organized research notebook.
• Perform maintenance on x-ray instrumentation and maintain a log of all activities.

Supervision:

No positions will directly report to this position.

Conditions of Employment:

• Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
• Pre-employment Background Check needed given position’s access to secure laboratories and confidential information.
• Applicant must be able to push ~350lbs LN2 dewars through laboratory spaces.
• Candidates must be comfortable with working around instruments that produce ionizing radiation and strong magnetic fields.
• Candidate must be able to safely work around and handle compressed gases, cryogens, vacuum equipment, movable/motorized mechanical components, and hazardous/toxic materials.
• The candidate must be comfortable with occasionally working in proximity to electrical circuits.
• Candidate will occasionally be required to lift/move heavy equipment and work in confined spaces (including crouching or kneeling).
• The candidate will routinely have to manipulate small mechanical parts (<1 cm) or samples (<1 mm) with the aid of specialized tools.

Minimum Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemistry, Material Science, Physics, or similar physical science discipline is required.
• Familiarity with x-ray diffraction instrumentation, basic experimental and analytical techniques, and ionizing radiation safety.
• Experience with either powder or single crystal x-ray diffraction data collection and analysis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to operate X-ray diffraction instrumentation, including but not limited to: powder-XRD, thin-film XRD, and single crystal XRD.
• Familiarity with Bruker and Anton Paar XRD equipment.
• Experience with data collection and analysis software for powder diffraction (such as DIFFRAC.EVA, TOPAS, and XRDdrive).
• Experience with data collection and analysis software for single crystal diffraction (such as Bruker APEX4, Mercury, CrystalMaker, etc.).
• Experience with advanced single crystal analysis (sever disorder - involving main residue and/or solvent, twinning, and/or modulated structures).
• Experience with total scattering techniques such as diffuse scattering from single crystals or pair distribution function (PDF) function analysis.
• Good verbal and written communication skills, especially related to customer support and documentation of research or laboratory procedures.

Salary Range

$60,000 - $63,000

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world‑class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work‑life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact. Review our detailed benefits information here. Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here. For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator. Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Inspired by its land‑grant heritage, Colorado State University is committed to excellence and engagement, setting the standard for public research universities in teaching, research, service and extension for the benefit of the citizens of Colorado, the United States, and the world. Prospective Employees, click here to learn more about CSU's perks and purpose.

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