XRD and Materials Postdoctoral Research Associate

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&rsquo;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&rsquo;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 doc…

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