![]() Despite being a redhead I do love the outdoors whether its cycling (I commute by bike to work every day), golf (my handicap was better when I was at Uni and skipping lectures to play three times a week), and being bayside with my wife and whippet (Melbourne beaches are OK). I also love the West Coast Eagles. And the Perth Scorchers.
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NAME: Nathan Webster
CURRENT TITLE: Team Leader (XRD) and Senior Research Scientist ORGANISATION: CSIRO (Mineral Resources) AREA OF EXPERTISE: Characterisation of minerals and materials using X-ray diffraction, mainly. In particular, in situ analysis of metallurgical processes and material processing reactions, both in the laboratory and at the Australian Synchrotron. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE: 13 EDUCATION: Graduated from the University of Western Australia in 2002 with 1st Class Honours in Science (Chemistry) and Engineering (Materials). Awarded PhD in Chemistry (Solid State) from University of Western Australia in May 2008. WEBSITE/TWITTER: Google Scholar CSIRO Profile |
What does your job involve?
As a research scientist I design and execute X-ray-based methodologies to solve problems and answer questions for external customers and CSIRO research projects. As a laboratory custodian I’m responsible for the smooth operation of X-ray and associated equipment. As a team leader I’m responsible for business development for my team, including finding external work and also internal allocations of my team members to projects. There are a lot of administrative tasks including safety paperwork, internal reporting and performance appraisals. I’ve also been involved in external committees such as the Proposal Advisory Committee for the powder diffraction beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. And for the past couple of years coordinating the organisation of AXAA-2017 as AXAA President!
As a research scientist I design and execute X-ray-based methodologies to solve problems and answer questions for external customers and CSIRO research projects. As a laboratory custodian I’m responsible for the smooth operation of X-ray and associated equipment. As a team leader I’m responsible for business development for my team, including finding external work and also internal allocations of my team members to projects. There are a lot of administrative tasks including safety paperwork, internal reporting and performance appraisals. I’ve also been involved in external committees such as the Proposal Advisory Committee for the powder diffraction beamline at the Australian Synchrotron. And for the past couple of years coordinating the organisation of AXAA-2017 as AXAA President!
What’s a typical day like?
It’s so variable and that is one thing that I like about it. Some days will be in the laboratory trying to solve a problem with experimentation or getting on top of a new bit of gear, some days will be performing an in situ experiment for a customer, other days will be analysing the data and writing reports or papers, most days I’ll be helping my team deliver on their work. What’s challenging?
At the stage of career that I’m at, trying to deal with an increasing pile of paperwork whilst delivering to external customers and internal research projects using X-rays. X-rays are much more rewarding. |
What do you love about working with X-rays?
The insights that can be gained into minerals, materials and operating processes all because the wavelength of X-rays just happens to coincide pretty closely with the spacing of atomic planes in crystals! Sometimes physics is a downright pain, but not then. When I can answer a tricky question about a particular mineral, material or process using X-rays, especially if it has impact for a colleague, collaborator or customer, that is job satisfaction. |
Any advice to people looking for a career in X-ray (or neutron) analysis?
I look back at my career so far and think that the single best thing I did was give a presentation at a Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) congress in 2005, even though I probably was not ready from a scientific point of view. After my talk I met someone who took me under his wing, we did a synchrotron experiment and a couple of neutron experiments together and that had a profound effect on my career. So not being afraid to put yourself out there is some advice I would give. Another would be to find what genuinely excites you in the field and don’t let people who think they know better just because they are older and may have had a different pathway influence you out of following it. Finally, try and find a niche where you may have a particular flair and become the expert in that, even better if that niche is in demand.
I look back at my career so far and think that the single best thing I did was give a presentation at a Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) congress in 2005, even though I probably was not ready from a scientific point of view. After my talk I met someone who took me under his wing, we did a synchrotron experiment and a couple of neutron experiments together and that had a profound effect on my career. So not being afraid to put yourself out there is some advice I would give. Another would be to find what genuinely excites you in the field and don’t let people who think they know better just because they are older and may have had a different pathway influence you out of following it. Finally, try and find a niche where you may have a particular flair and become the expert in that, even better if that niche is in demand.
Why it is good to be involved with AXAA?
Firstly, AXAA conferences are the best. What’s not to love about 5 days all about X-rays and what you can do with them? Also, for me it’s been a lot about professional development (building knowledge and skills, building my network), and personal development (e.g. building confidence, people skills) through involvement in the AXAA National Council and in the organisation of AXAA-2014 and AXAA-2017. I encourage anyone to get involved if they can, not only in AXAA but in other similar associations or communities. It does take effort but it is rewarding.
Firstly, AXAA conferences are the best. What’s not to love about 5 days all about X-rays and what you can do with them? Also, for me it’s been a lot about professional development (building knowledge and skills, building my network), and personal development (e.g. building confidence, people skills) through involvement in the AXAA National Council and in the organisation of AXAA-2014 and AXAA-2017. I encourage anyone to get involved if they can, not only in AXAA but in other similar associations or communities. It does take effort but it is rewarding.