Synopsis

The purpose of the X-ray Crystallography Facility Fellowship is to facilitate the collection and analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data while providing an excellent training opportunity for graduate students to gain advanced levels of experience in solving small-molecule crystal structures.  

Appointment to the Fellowship will be for the period commencing October 2024 and continuing through September 2025. In special circumstances the appointment could be renewable and extended beyond September 2025. The fellowship provides full support equivalent to a 50% GSR position.

Selection of the X-ray Fellow will be made by a committee headed by the Faculty Coordinator and the Facility Director and comprised of other faculty who use the facility on a regular basis.

Eligibility

Students who have passed their advancement to candidacy exam and whose PhD research includes a strong single-crystal structural component will be given highest priority for the Fellowship. Students that intend to write and defend their thesis during the tenure of the appointment will be given a lower priority.

  • Strong candidates for the Fellowship will already have experience with the collection of diffraction data and the determination of routine structure solutions. They will have completed the required EH&S online safety training and be added to the X-ray facility RUA.

  • Upon selection as the next X-ray Fellow, the student will be expected to train in the X-ray lab during the summer prior to start of their appointment (~10 hours/week). This training period is meant to further develop the student’s experience on the acquisition and analysis of single crystal X-ray diffraction data and to better familiarize them with the day-to-day operation of the X-ray lab. During this training period, the student will not be supported as a Fellow (i.e., the PI must support the student).

  • Once appointed as the X-ray Fellow, the Fellow will be expected to dedicate time daily (Monday through Friday) in the X-ray lab and be available on Saturdays.  The Saturday time slot will be reserved for initiating data collection runs over the weekend to further improve facility throughput and to maintain the low temperature systems.

  • When the Facility Director is away from campus the Fellow is expected to keep the instruments running so that diffraction data can be acquired. At certain times during the year the facility will be closed. When the facility is closed the Fellow is released from his/her duties. Fellows may request two weeks per year off for vacation time to be negotiated with the Facility Director.

  • Specific duties of the X-ray Fellow will include screening and mounting crystals provided by the users, initiating data collection, solving structures, completing data packets, training new users, ordering liquid nitrogen and maintaining the low temperature systems, and checking on the equipment after power outages and other interruptions.

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by July 1, 2024. The student’s research advisor must nominate them for the position and write a letter of reference in support of their nomination. Notifications will be sent by the Chemistry Student Affairs Office.

Graduate Students

If you are interested in applying, please submit the following to your advisor:

  • Current curriculum vitae
  • One-page research synopsis
  • Short summary of current experience with the collection and analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data

Faculty

To nominate a student, please submit the following to the Google Form by July 1, 2024.

  • From student:
    • Current curriculum vitae
    • One-page research synopsis
    • Short summary of current experience with the collection and analysis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data
  • From advisor:
    • Letter of reference in support of nomination