#124254 X-Ray Crystallographer

DESCRIPTION

Chemistry and Biochemistry is one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. Our Department combines research on the most consequential and revelatory scientific areas with education aimed at building our future leaders and scientists. The department’s organization is divided among three major academic sections each with its own leadership representation under the Department Chair: Physical, Analytical & Environmental (PAE); Biochemistry & Biophysics (BB); and finally Synthesis, Materials and Chemical Biology (SMCB). The department is comprised of 75 ladder rank faculty, and additional 10 in various instructional titles and ~150 in academic research titles and postdoctoral scholars. The above academic community presents a plethora of diverse complex issues from Health Sciences Compensation Program agreements to adjuncts from national laboratories sharing negotiated employee patent agreements. The department is also comprised of 90 career staff; ~60 temporary or student staff, and 350 Master’s and Ph.D. students. Undergraduate students majoring in chemistry number greater than 1,700, and total undergraduate and graduate annual course enrollments exceed 23,000. The department currently has more than 120 awards from federal, state and private sources for approximately $20 million per annum in extramural funding and $46 million in total annual expenditures.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry manages eight recharge facilities supporting national as well as UCSD-wide research endeavors in academe and industry: Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Molecular Mass Spectrometry, Biomolecular and Proteomics Mass Spectroscopy, Inorganic Characterization Instrumentation, Protein Crystallography, Small Molecule X-Ray Crystallography, Fabrication Facility plus the on campus Chemistry Storehouse. In addition, we are home to two national research center grants. The department also manages three major NIH training grants, and one Department of Education training grant, which fund graduate and postdoctoral students across UCSD departments/disciplines as well as off campus research organizations.

In collaboration with the supervising Principal Investigator and under direction from the Facility Director, incumbent will provide expert professional-level consultation, advice, and assistance as a crystallographer in the Chemistry Department’s X-ray Crystallography Facility. The Facility provides service and complex instrumentation for UC San Diego and the surrounding research community. As a seasoned and experienced engineering professional, the Crystallographer is independently responsible for the engineering, development, and maintenance of state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation of the X-ray Crystallography Facility which currently consists of eight diffractometers of varying function, capability and complexity. Incumbent will provide the full range of professional engineering services to research projects by recrystallizing compounds from various collaborators and industrial clients that includes using and designing innovative techniques in crystal and experimental engineering. Duties also include overseeing sample analysis on all applicable instruments, providing professional-level technical expertise and instruction to users, routine maintenance and repair of the instrumentation within X-ray Crystallography facility, and conducting collaborative research with principal investigators and other facility users.

• Flexible work schedule; nonstandard work hours to coincide with research needs.
• Must be willing to work in smoke-free environment.
• Must be willing to work with potentially hazardous chemicals and materials in laboratories. Ability to work safely with high-intensity ionizing radiation sources.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Skill to operate a personal computer and demonstrated knowledge of databases, general computer applications, and programs including word processing and spreadsheets. Willingness and ability to update and increase computer skills and knowledge as needed.
• Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments. Demonstrated ability in the application of sound engineering practices to electronic and mechanical problems associated with X-ray diffractometers. Demonstrated knowledge of advanced analytical techniques using X-ray crystallography, powder X-ray diffraction and modern electron diffraction techniques.
• Graduation from college with major work in engineering/chemistry and 6 years of engineering/chemistry experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. PhD in related field preferred.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions.
• Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to prioritize competing work assignments in order to meet deadlines and adherence to quality standards.
• Strong analytical and judgment skills to independently conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to lead and influence others. Demonstrated experience in providing training in the use of X-ray crystallography as applied to scientific investigation.
• Demonstrated understanding of the importance of ensuring an equitable, inclusive, and diverse working environment, with the ability to work as a part of a diverse and collaborative team. Demonstrated competency and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of advanced crystallographic techniques such as twinning, modulation and phase changes. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices and techniques for the recrystallization of small-molecule and protein/macromolecular samples.
• Knowledge/understanding and experience with Safety Data Sheets, hazard communication and Injury and Illness Prevention Program. Familiarity with a Chemical Hygiene Plan addressing safety precautions including appropriate clothing and shoes, safe handling of chemicals, use of protective items. Willingness and ability to keep safety training current and consistent with research involvement.
• Thorough knowledge of evaluating and purchasing X-ray crystallographic instrumentation. Experienced in the maintenance and operation of X-ray diffractometers and in the maintenance and operation of Bruker diffractometers and associated accessories.
• Demonstrated ability in the application of computer software design and development as applied to the analysis of crystallographic data.
• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Proven ability to communicate effectively one-on-one or in group settings, taking into account differences in social, cultural, professional, and educational backgrounds.
• Willingness and demonstrated ability to embrace and consistently uphold the principles of community for a collaborative work environment.
• Thorough knowledge and experience with engineering principles and methods to independently perform the full range of engineering professional design work. Demonstrated experience and ability in engineering, designing and developing X-ray crystallographic instrumentation, testing the instrumentation, and development of scientific applications and experimental techniques.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Background Check required.

Job offer is contingent on successful engagement in the UC COVID-19 Vaccination program (fully vaccinated with documented proof or approved exception/deferral).

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://www-hr.ucsd.edu/saa/nondiscr.html

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.