Director of Chemical Sciences

University of New South Wales

The Opportunity

The X-ray Facility is part of the highly successful Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre (MWAC), a multidisciplinary instrumental core facility base at the Kensington Campus of UNSW Sydney supporting researchers in Science, Engineering and Medicine. The X-ray Facility is one of the largest of its type in Australia with 12 experienced staff and 18 major instruments across five laboratories supporting >500 researchers at UNSW and nationally as well as a wide range of commercial clients. The Facility offers a comprehensive suite of laboratory-based X-ray techniques: small molecule crystallography, powder and thin-film X-ray diffraction, high-energy micro-CT, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, analysis and microscopy using X-ray fluorescence, and surface analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ToF-SIMS. Materials researchers are key stakeholders that drive the strategy for new X-ray capability in the Facility and the MWAC has recently invested $3.5M to upgrade key instrumentation in the facility to recognise this.

Reporting to the Executive Director MWAC, Renee Whan, at Level C you’ll collaborate with the Executive Director, MWAC to align X-ray science strategies with UNSW’s research goals, engage in both independent and collaborative research on X-ray methods, and manage the X-ray facility’s operations to support stakeholders. This includes leading a team of research scientists, technical and professional staff, planning for new capabilities, overseeing publications and reports, expanding commercial services in partnership with the Chemical Consulting Laboratory, and ensuring health and safety standards.

Additional responsibilities at Level D include leading the facility’s design and strategy, establishing a research program, conducting collaborative experiments, networking with external agencies, supervising student projects, leading publications and grant writing, contributing to MWAC’s leadership, and making significant professional contributions.

The Organisation

UNSW isn’t like other places you’ve worked. Yes, we’re a large organisation with a diverse and talented community; a community doing extraordinary things. But what makes us different isn’t only what we do, it’s how we do it. Together, we are driven to be thoughtful, practical, and purposeful in all we do. Taking this combined approach is what makes our work matter. It’s the reason we’re Australia’s number one university for impact and among the nation’s Top 20 employers.

Benefits and Culture: 

UNSW offer a competitive salary and access to benefits including:

  • Hybrid/Flexible working
  • Additional 3 days of leave over the Christmas Period
  • Access to learning and career development
  • Progressive HR practices
  • Discounts and entitlements  
  • Affordable on-campus parking

About the successful applicant
Senior Lecturer – Level C

You hold a relevant PhD and are a recognised authority in Material/Chemical/Physical Sciences, with a research track record that aligns with the Centre’s mission and can demonstrate your expertise in X-ray techniques.

You’ll also be able to demonstrate leadership in collaborative research with impactful outcomes and have a history of securing external funding and knowledge of research ethics and compliance. Knowledge of commercial X-ray applications and the ability to manage commercial services is also essential, as well as experience in teaching and supervising in a multiuser research environment and preparing samples for X-ray analysis using relevant data analysis software.

Additionally, you’ll be able to demonstrate your experience leading a team of research scientists, technical and professional staff to deliver operational excellence and innovation, interpersonal and communication skills, budget management, major equipment procurement and managing resources and research infrastructure. 

Associate Professor - Level D

Additional requirements include high-level project management, strong negotiation skills, a successful record of supervising students and post-docs, staff leadership including change management, and success in obtaining funding for research infrastructure and collaborative research projects.

To Apply: If contributing to the future development of world-class research X-ray facilities in a G08 university is of interest to you, please submit your CV, Cover Letter and your Response to Skills and Experience required (see the Position Description) via the APPLY button.

Click to review: Download File Position Description - Director, X-Ray Facility - MWAC.pdf

Contacts:

Shiree Thomas - Talent Acquisition Consultant e:shiree.thomas@unsw.edu.au

Renee Whan – Executive Director, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre e:r.whan@unsw.edu.au

Applications close:  11.55pm, Sunday 13th October 2024

UNSW is committed to equity diversity and inclusion. Applications from women, people of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, those living with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community; and people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, are encouraged. UNSW provides workplace adjustments for people with disability, and access to flexible work options for eligible staff.

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment. 

Position Description

Advertised: 16 Aug 2024 AUS Eastern Standard Time
Applications close: 13 Oct 2024 AUS Eastern Daylight Time

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