At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate and maintain advanced lab equipment while running exciting experiments.
- Company: Join a dynamic team of world-class engineers and researchers at Diffractive.
- Benefits: Inclusive culture, hands-on experience, and the chance to shape lab processes.
- Other info: Opportunity to collaborate with top researchers and help build a cutting-edge lab.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in materials science and AI while working independently.
- Qualifications: Hands-on experience with research-grade equipment and a methodical approach to documentation.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Lab Engineer to operate and maintain our materials synthesis and characterisation lab. You will run experiments, own instruments, and take responsibility for keeping equipment in good working order with minimal supervision. This is a role for someone with solid practical experience across research-grade equipment, who is comfortable working independently and takes pride in a well-maintained instrument as in a well-executed experiment. You will be joining a small, highly ambitious team of world-renowned engineers, AI researchers, and materials scientists. We move fast and value people who are energised by that.
What You'll Do
- Operate our core instrument suite independently: high vacuum equipment, high temperature metallurgy systems, high field magnets, XRD, SEM and optical characterisation.
- Perform routine and preventive maintenance, and diagnose faults before they become failures.
- Run synthesis and characterisation experiments, ensuring reproducibility and rigorous data capture throughout.
- Write and maintain SOPs and risk assessments for the equipment and processes you own.
- Manage consumables, materials inventory, and equipment readiness for the broader research team.
- Collaborate with materials scientists and ML researchers to design experimental runs and interpret results.
- Support the integration of experimental data into our digital infrastructure and AI pipelines.
Skills & Qualifications
- Several years of hands‑on experience operating and maintaining research‑grade equipment in a professional setting.
- Direct experience with two or more instrument domains from our suite:
- High‑vacuum equipment.
- X‑ray diffraction (XRD).
- Optical characterisation setups.
- High‑temperature metallurgical synthesis equipment.
- High‑field magnets.
- Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
- Solid working knowledge of vacuum systems: pump types, leak detection, and routine maintenance.
- Familiarity with ionising radiation safety requirements and relevant local regulations.
- Background from one or more of: semiconductor manufacturing, scientific instrumentation companies, industrial research, national laboratories or other major national facilities, or NDT.
- Careful, methodical approach to documentation: maintenance logs, SOPs, and data provenance.
Nice to Have
- Experience writing or reviewing SOPs and risk assessments from scratch.
- Some CAD experience for fixture or tooling design.
- Exposure to automated data capture or basic scripting for instrument control.
- Experience in a startup or fast‑moving research environment.
Why Join Us
- Own a broad range of advanced instrumentation across synthesis and characterisation.
- Collaborate with world‑class researchers across materials science, robotics, and AI.
- Help build a lab from the ground up: the processes, the culture, and the capabilities are yours to help shape.
Diffractive is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. If you require any adjustments or accommodations at any point during the interview process please let us know – we will be happy to help.
Lab Engineer employer: Diffractive Labs
At Diffractive, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture where innovation thrives. As a Lab Engineer, you will not only operate cutting-edge research-grade equipment but also have the unique opportunity to shape the lab's processes and culture alongside world-class researchers in materials science and AI. With a commitment to employee growth and collaboration, we offer a stimulating environment that values your contributions and encourages professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lab Engineer
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Diffractive Labs, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Diffractive Labs. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Lab Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Diffractive Labs. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Diffractive Labs. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diffractive Labs
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Diffractive Labs. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Diffractive Labs to drive research projects forward.
