Material and Chemical Sciences Manager

The Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is a national research facility of the University of Saskatchewan. CLS produces very bright light to explore the nature and structure of molecules and serves national and international users from academia, industry, and government institutions. With 22 beamlines enabling advanced imaging, spectroscopy, diffraction, and microfabrication capabilities, CLS is a globally recognized centre for multidisciplinary scientific excellence.

We are seeking a Material & Chemical Sciences Manager to lead a department of highly qualified scientists and oversee a portfolio of nine advanced beamlines central to Canada’s scientific innovation ecosystem. The Science Manager (Material & Chemical Sciences) is both a leader and a manager of the department and a senior scientist. The Science Manager ensures the overall performance of a group of beamlines, leads and supports beamline scientists, and contributes technical expertise to strategic scientific programs. This role is ideal for a science-leader who thrives in complex, multidisciplinary environments and is energized by advancing cutting-edge synchrotron science and leading scientific staff.

About the Beamlines You Will Oversee

You will manage scientific teams responsible for several specialized beamlines, each supporting distinct research communities. These beamlines are central to CLS’s scientific mission and represent some of the most sophisticated experimental capabilities available in Canada.

• VESPERS (Very Sensitive Elemental and Structural Probe Employing Radiation from a Synchrotron): A hard X-ray microprobe beamline that provides complementary elemental, structural, and chemical information for a wide range of materials.
• REIXS (Resonant Elastic and Inelastic X-ray Scattering): A soft X-ray scattering beamline offering high flux, high energy resolution, and full polarization control for advanced superconducting, quantum and functional materials research.
• SyLMAND (Synchrotron Laboratory for Micro and Nano Devices): A specialized facility supporting micro- and nanofabrication research for lithography, device development, and advanced materials processing.
• HXMA (Hard X-ray Micro-Analysis): A hard X-ray beamline enabling advanced spectroscopy to probe the local atomic and electronic structure of materials.
• Far-IR (Far Infrared Spectroscopy): A spectroscopy beamline providing far-infrared and terahertz capabilities to study molecular vibrations, materials chemistry, and low-energy excitations.
• BXDS (Brockhouse X-ray Diffraction & Scattering Sector): A suite of three diffraction and scattering beamlines designed for detailed structural characterization of crystalline and complex materials.
• QMSC (Quantum Materials Spectroscopy Centre): A dedicated beamline focused on spectroscopy of quantum materials, enabling studies of correlated electrons and emergent material properties.

Representative Duties:

• Lead and mentor a team of scientists to achieve departmental goals while clearly communicating strategic priorities.
• Advocate for the needs of multiple beamline teams through proactive communication and effective departmental coordination.
• Oversee and authorize beamline budgets, resource allocation, and procurement to ensure efficient and compliant operations.
• Maintain governance standards by reviewing and approving documentation in alignment with CLS policies and procedures.
• Serve as a key point of contact for staff and users, providing guidance, troubleshooting support, and expert mentorship.
• Collaborate with other managers to address complex challenges, support strategic decisions, resolve conflicts and contribute to the organizational goals.
• Drive the development in the implementation of programs and initiatives that enhance beamline operations and user experience.
• Build strong internal and external scientific relationships to increase collaboration, productivity, and scientific impact.
• Manage all human resources responsibilities including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, performance management, and development.
• Represent CLS through scientific outreach, conference presentations and academic engagement, including pursuing Adjunct Professor status and contributing to scientific programs.

Qualifications

• A relevant Ph.D. in physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of directly related experience in a synchrotron or advanced scientific laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated scientific leadership and management role in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven experience managing complex scientific programs or facilities.
• Strategic thinker with hands-on problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to fostering a collaborative, inclusive scientific culture.

Remuneration: The Salary Range is $114,011 to $154,250, and remuneration will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. A comprehensive benefits package, including supplemental health & dental, life insurance, pension plan, and four weeks’ vacation is part of a competitive compensation package.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume along with references, in confidence, online at www.lightsource.ca/careers. Applications will be accepted until April 20, 2026. While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Canadian Light Source Inc. (CLSI) is an equal opportunities employer and encourages members of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, people with disabilities and visible minorities) to self-identify on their applications. One of our values is Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and we strive to create a workforce that reflects our users and the community in which we live. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply, and we hope you will choose CLSI as your employer of choice. If you have any questions or concerns about accessible employment at CLSI, or to begin a confidential conversation about your individual accessibility or accommodation needs through our recruitment process, please contact us at jobs@lightsource.ca.