Associate Research Scientist - Crystallography
Posted date [2026-06-02]
(ID: 45871)
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New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) is a globally recognized institution pioneering a transformative model of higher education. As part of the prestigious NYU global network, NYUAD offers an exceptional liberal arts and sciences education, fostering intercultural understanding and leadership.
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, NYUAD is dedicated to groundbreaking research and graduate education, addressing critical local and global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. It plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable, knowledge-based economy in the UAE and advancing NYU’s mission as a model university for the 21st century. NYUAD maintains the highest standards of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, welcoming students and faculty from around the world. The university provides a dynamic environment for learning, research, and professional development in one of the world’s fastest-growing educational and cultural hubs. For more information on career opportunities at NYU Abu Dhabi, visit the official website: http://nyuad.nyu.edu/en/ You can now provide the first NYU Abu Dhabi job post for improvement.... |
Job Description and Requirements
Associate Research Scientist - CrystallographyJob Snapshot
Role: Associate Research Scientist - Crystallography
Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Experience: PhD with at least 3 years crystallography experience
Job Type: Full-time
Position Overview
Associate Research Scientist - Crystallography in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates is a specialized Higher Education research opportunity focused on crystal structure determination, electron diffraction, X-ray crystallography, small molecule crystals, and advanced materials research. This role is suited for an experienced PhD-qualified researcher who can independently prepare samples, collect diffraction data, solve and refine challenging crystal structures, and contribute to high-level scientific work within the Smart Materials Lab at New York University Abu Dhabi.
Job Details
Country: United Arab Emirates
City: Abu Dhabi
Industry: Higher Education
Function: Research
Salary: 22000-35000
Estimated salary range based on similar jobs in the job city; please confirm the final offer with the employer.
Gender: Any
Candidate Nationality: Any
Job Type: Full-time
Role Context
The Associate Research Scientist - Crystallography will join the Smart Materials Lab within the Panče Naumov Group to support advanced research in crystal structure analysis using electron or X-ray diffraction methods. The position involves solving and refining small molecule crystal structures, including complex cases involving twinning, disorder, structural change, and crystal decay over time. The selected researcher will also contribute to broader smart materials projects, support laboratory activities, and assist in mentoring undergraduate or PhD students involved in crystallography, chemistry, physics, and materials science research.
Key Responsibilities
* Determine crystal structures using electron diffraction, X-ray crystallography, or related diffraction-based techniques.
* Prepare crystal samples and independently collect high-quality diffraction data for structural analysis.
* Solve and refine small molecule crystal structures using advanced crystallographic methods.
* Work on technically challenging crystal structures involving twinning, disorder, instability, time-dependent change, or experimental complexity.
* Refine structures from electron diffraction data collected through microscopes or specialized crystallography equipment.
* Support structure analysis based on powder diffraction, neutron diffraction, or scattering data where relevant.
* Contribute to ongoing research projects within the Smart Materials Lab and the Panče Naumov Group.
* Analyze experimental crystallographic data and prepare accurate structural models, reports, and research outputs.
* Maintain careful documentation of crystallographic methods, sample preparation steps, data collection conditions, and refinement results.
* Collaborate with researchers in chemistry, physics, materials science, and related fields on smart materials research.
* Assist in supervising undergraduate students, PhD students, or junior researchers working on laboratory projects.
* Support laboratory organization, research planning, equipment use, and safe experimental practice.
* Prepare academic manuscripts, research presentations, technical summaries, and publication-quality crystallographic data.
* Stay current with developments in electron crystallography, X-ray diffraction, and advanced structure refinement methods.
Ideal Profile
* PhD in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a closely related field.
* At least 3 years of experience focused on crystallography.
* Substantial experience in crystal structure solution and refinement of small molecule crystals.
* Strong hands-on background in electron diffraction or X-ray diffraction techniques.
* Expertise in electron diffraction is strongly preferred.
* Experience with powder diffraction, neutron diffraction, or scattering data analysis may also be considered.
* Ability to independently prepare samples, collect data, solve structures, and refine crystallographic models.
* Experience handling difficult structural cases, including twinning, disorder, crystal decay, and time-dependent structural change.
* Proficiency in refining crystal structures from electron diffraction data collected using a microscope or specialized equipment is preferred.
* Strong research judgment, technical accuracy, and attention to crystallographic detail.
* Ability to collaborate across disciplines and contribute actively to laboratory projects.
* Experience supporting or mentoring undergraduate or PhD students is advantageous.
* Strong scientific writing and communication skills.
* Ability to submit required application documents, including cover letter, curriculum vitae with publication list, research statement, transcript, and three reference letters.
Skills Set
* Crystallography
* Electron diffraction
* X-ray crystallography
* Small molecule crystal structures
* Structure solution
* Structure refinement
* Crystal sample preparation
* Diffraction data collection
* Powder diffraction
* Neutron diffraction
* Scattering data analysis
* Electron crystallography
* Materials science research
* Smart materials
* Crystal disorder analysis
* Twinning analysis
* Time-dependent crystal structures
* Crystal decay analysis
* Microscopy-based diffraction
* Specialized crystallography equipment
* Laboratory research
* Scientific documentation
* Academic manuscript preparation
* Student supervision
* Interdisciplinary collaboration
Why Join Us
This position provides an excellent opportunity for an Associate Research Scientist - Crystallography to contribute to advanced smart materials research in Abu Dhabi while working with a highly specialized academic laboratory. The role offers a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal, competitive employment terms, housing support, educational subsidies for children, and access to a collaborative research environment. It is a strong opportunity for an experienced crystallographer who wants to work on challenging structures, support high-quality publications, and contribute to advanced scientific discovery in the Higher Education sector.
About the Company
New York University Abu Dhabi is a globally connected research university in the UAE, supporting advanced scholarship across science, mathematics, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and the arts. Through the Smart Materials Lab and the Panče Naumov Group, NYU Abu Dhabi provides a strong platform for research in crystallography, materials science, molecular structure analysis, and smart material behavior. The university offers an international academic environment for researchers contributing to innovative science from Abu Dhabi.
