Research Assistant/Associate in National Crystallography Service (Newcastle, GB) presso Newcastle University

Salary:  

Research Assistant: £33,002 to £34,610 per annum, pro rata

Research Associate: £35,608 to £39,906 per annum, pro rata

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 17 November 2025

The Role 

Applications are invited for an expert in single crystal diffraction to work with Prof. Michael Probert in Chemistry at the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES), Newcastle University as part of the team delivering the EPSRC National X-ray Crystallography Service (NCS). The role will be centred around the provision of a high throughput crystallisation service and access to extreme conditions diffraction experiments for users of the NCS.

The post (0.5 FTE) will involve the extensive use of crystallisation and diffraction techniques to fully characterise principally molecular materials, crystallised via utilisation of high throughput nanodroplet techniques. With additional work undertaken to elucidate the structural response of crystalline materials under a variety of extreme conditions (ultra-low temperature and high pressure). The studies will be performed in-house using the world-leading instrumentation available in the laboratory of Prof. Probert, as well as via access to the UK’s national synchrotron facility (Diamond Light Source). The in-house facilities include 6 single crystal diffractometers with a range of X-radiation wavelengths available (Ag, Cu and Mo) alongside state-of-the-art liquid handling robots for high throughput crystallisation.

The broad aim of the project is to enhance the deliverables of the NCS to aid users in obtaining crystallographic data on a range of materials across a range of environmental conditions. As part of a team, you will be responsible for setting up and running experiments using bespoke crystallisation techniques and a unique suite of diffraction equipment, for which full training will be provided Familiarity with single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques is a necessity with experience of non-standard experimental design including extreme conditions a strong benefit.

You must hold or be about to obtain, a PhD or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials sciences, or a related field and a strong background in the analysis of crystalline materials. You should also have the ability to play a leading role within the research team.  A track record of publishing research in high quality journals and experience supervising student research projects, commensurate with your experience level, is also desirable. You will also be encouraged to participate in the group’s vibrant outreach programme.

This role has secured funding until June 2027.

Please contact Prof. Michael Probert [email protected] with informal inquiries about the post.  Formal applications should be submitted through the University job applications portal and can be done so by uploading your CV along with a cover letter evidencing how your skills and experience align to the criteria as outlined within the  job decription.

Applications from candidates wishing to explore flexible working options will be considered.

Further information can be found here 

Staff Profile | School of Natural and Environmental Sciences | Newcastle University

https://www.ncl.ac.uk/nes/our-research/chemistry/

Key Accountabilities

• The post holder will perform original research to improve the successful crystallisation of molecular materials
• The post holder will perform crystallisation experiments using defined protocols for users of the National Crystallography Service
• The post holder will perform diffraction experiments under standard and extreme environmental conditions
• The post holder will take the initiative in aiding the development of user projects
• The post holder will effectively communicate and work within a national team, across two sites, composed of staff and postgraduate students
• The post holder will prepare results for publication and presentation at conferences and seminars

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• A high-level understanding of various crystallographic methods and techniques from crystallisation to extreme conditions diffraction

• Observational and practical skills consistent with the demands of contemporary scientific research
• Proven track record in data analysis
• A high standard of written and verbal communication with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work within a team
• Experience of collection of crystallographic data at both home laboratories and central facilities
• Experience of crystal structure solution and refinement from single crystal diffraction data
• Experience of preparation of crystallographic data for publication

• A record of publication commensurate with experience level

• Prior experience of the preparation and characterisation of crystalline samples
• Diamond Anvil Cell work

Desirable

• Skills associated with the operation of non-standard experimental components
• Experience with liquid robot handling techniques
• Skills in scientific instrument or experiment development
• Scripting programming language experience

• Prior experience of one or more of the following: Low temperature crystallographic studies, Non classical crystallisation protocols

Attributes and Behaviour

• A desire to work with due attention to the safety of themselves and others
• Self-motivation, a determination to succeed and a commitment to high standards
• The capacity to undertake original research and work independently
• A willingness to engage in research collaborations with co-workers across the National Crystallography Service remit
• A willingness to take on the day-to-day supervision of undergraduate project students as necessary

Qualifications

• Research Associate - a PhD in a related discipline
• Research Assistant - a relevant undergraduate degree and working towards PhD in relevant discipline

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 28658