University of Minnesota

Director, X-Ray Crystallography Facility (XRCF)

University of Minnesota$80K — $105K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry, Crystallography, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 1 or more years of hands-on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction and instrument maintenance.
  • Expertise in crystallographic software (e.g., OLEX2, SHELX).
  • Strong service-oriented communication and teaching skills required.
  • 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in single-crystal X-ray diffraction and facility management preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee day-to-day operations and maintenance of facility equipment.
  • Collect and interpret high-quality data for complex crystal structures.
  • Collaborate with faculty on grant writing and pursue funding for instrumentation upgrades.
  • Build professional relationships with internal and external users and partners.
  • Maintain safety and compliance standards within the facility.
  • Teach a graduate course in X-ray crystallography and two undergraduate courses.

Benefits

  • Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off.
  • Continuous learning opportunities supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program.
  • Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans.
  • Comprehensive retirement plans with employer contribution.
  • Employee Assistance Program offering free counseling sessions.
Full Job Description
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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected].

About University of Minnesota

The University of Minnesota is a public research university located in Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota. It is the flagship institution of the University of Minnesota System, and is one of the largest universities in the United States. The university offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs in a wide range of fields, including agriculture, engineering, business, law, medicine, and the arts and sciences. The University of Minnesota is committed to providing high-quality education and research opportunities to its students, and has a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation.
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