MX Beamline Scientist- Crystallography

MX Industry Specialist

• 2 year fixed term contract
• Australian Synchrotron, Melbourne
• Onsite parking
• Join an outstanding team operating the crystallography beamlines
• Work with a multi-disciplinary user community, with opportunities to conduct your own research
• Flexible workplace supporting diversity and inclusion   

 
The Organisation
The Australian Synchrotron (AS) is a division within ANSTO and one of the nation's premier research facilities. The facility provides a vibrant focal point for researchers (Users) and industrial clients from Australia, New Zealand and further afield. Employing more than 140 staff in diverse areas of Synchrotron science, engineering and corporate support, the facility provides world-leading technical capabilities that deliver superior experimental techniques that enhance fundamental and applied research. The facility promotes international collaboration to enable leading-edge research and development that will greatly benefit Australia and our regional neighbours.

About the role:
The Crystallography Group at the Australian Synchrotron consists of three single crystal X-ray diffraction beamlines, delivering world leading capabilities to the crystallographic community in Australia, New Zealand and internationally. The three MX beamlines cater to a diverse range of scientific disciplines; from environmental processes, mineralogy and energy through to human health and drug discovery. We work closely with our user community, providing expert advice at all stages of the experiment, and ensuring best practices in data collection and structural solution are followed.
We are currently seeking a Beamline Scientist - MX (Industry Specialist) who displays initiative, drive, and passion for problem solving to join the Crystallography Group on a 2 year fixed term contract. Reporting to the Beamline Group Manager, your focus will be Industry Engagement, supporting and delivering optimal outcomes to our industry and commercial clients.

Diverse teams produce better outcomes and we value the merit that a diverse perspective can bring to our team. We strongly encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply for our roles, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, primary carers, those with a disability, and women in STEM.
Your main responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Undertake Industry Engagement activities within the Beamline Group to enable the delivery of optimal outcomes to Industry and Commercial clients to meet revenue targets whilst enhancing the Australian Synchrotron’s reputation
• Provide scientific and technical support, advice and training to national and international synchrotron beamline users of the Macromolecular Crystallography (MX1) and Microfocus Crystallography (MX2) beamlines
• Work with the Crystallography Group’s Principal Scientists to promote, develop and deliver techniques, capabilities and applications to Industry and Commercial clients, identifying industry leads and converting them to opportunities and contracts;
• Work with the Crystallography Group’s Principal Scientists to incorporate industry users within the operating schedule of the three MX Beamlines;
• Work with the User Office, Science Operations Manager, Facility support systems and the Crystallography Group’s Principal Scientists to ensure appropriate ANSTO Industrial Engagement processes are followed; including administration, documentation and reporting requirements (e.g. quoting, invoicing, sample shipment documentation and tracking)
• Co-ordinate and perform all tasks related to sample handling and international shipping, e.g. manage import permits, track client’s Dewar’s when shipping to MX, complete all forms required to return client Dewar’s. Liaise closely with clients and their chosen shipping company to ensure an expedited return of their Dewar/Samples
• Provide advice, guidance and training for data processing and interpretation during and after experiments. Provide post-experiment support to users, including data analysis and writing of commercial reports
• Develop knowledge of industry best practice and technology to contribute to development of the synchrotron’s structural biology beamlines and associated facilities

• Work collaboratively and share scientific expertise to positively contribute to the science and research culture within the Science Team at the Australian Synchrotron
• Ensure appropriate policy, procedures, and guidelines are adhered to associated with the beamline and facility in particular in relation to WHS, radiation safety and equipment
• Day-to-day maintenance and set up of the MX1 and MX2 beamline systems, undertake specific beamline responsibilities as assigned by the Beamline Group Manager

To be successful in this position you will have:

• A PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline
• Demonstrated substantial and extensive Postdoctoral (or similar) experience in single crystal X-ray diffraction at synchrotron sources (protein/biological crystallography), including the ability to process, analyse and interpret diffraction data to defined required standards.
• Demonstrated experience across a multitude of techniques in structural biology; knowledge and experience in solution scattering techniques (BioSAXS) would be desirable
• Strong customer focus and the ability to function well in a scientific user facility, work in a multi-cultural environment and develop and maintain productive working relationships
• A demonstrated aptitude for attending to detail and an ability to follow policy, procedures and guidelines
• Ability to work independently and able to plan and manage time to meet deadlines and objectives
• Ability to troubleshoot problems on complex systems or instruments

Applications close on Friday 20th March 2026
You must be an Australian Citizen to apply

Apply!
If you think this could be the role for you then please apply now! Please send us a cover letter AND a detailed resume in WORD format (PDFs can be corrupted / not processed).  
Or, if you have any questions, please contact Deborah Cusmano on 03 9040 1630.

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