At a Glance
- Tasks: Run experiments and maintain lab equipment while collaborating with a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, innovative start-up focused on scientific breakthroughs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, and opportunities for rapid career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a small, ambitious team shaping the future of materials science.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a cutting-edge lab environment from day one.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a technical field or relevant lab experience.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Junior Lab Technician to help run experiments and keep our materials synthesis and characterization lab running smoothly. This is an entry-level role with a fixed-term contract, ideal for a recent graduate who is excited to get hands-on with research-grade equipment and build a strong practical foundation in a real lab.
What matters most is that you are careful, diligent, curious, and eager to learn. You will work closely with our lab technicians and scientists, who will train and mentor you as you take on more responsibility over time. 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 energized by that.
What You'll Do
- Operate our core instrument suite: thin film deposition systems, high vacuum equipment, high temperature metallurgy systems, XRD, SEM and optical characterisation.
- Perform routine and preventive maintenance, and help diagnose faults before they become failures.
- Run synthesis and characterisation experiments, ensuring reproducibility and rigorous data capture throughout.
- Support writing and maintaining SOPs and risk assessments for the equipment and processes.
- 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
- A bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (such as materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering) or a science T-level with relevant specialism such as Laboratory sciences.
- Practical exposure to laboratory environments, potentially gained through academic projects, industrial placements, or advanced coursework.
- A rigorous and methodical mindset with an uncompromising eye for detail.
- Eagerness to master the operation and technical upkeep of sophisticated, research-grade instrumentation.
- Strong accountability regarding safety protocols and the disciplined execution of established procedures.
- Excellent organizational habits and a commitment to maintaining precise, transparent experimental records.
- Genuine passion for contributing to a collaborative, high-velocity start-up team.
Nice to Have
- Previous hands‐on experience with specific tools in our suite, such as SEM, XRD, thin film deposition, or high‐vacuum systems.
- Familiarity with ionising radiation safety protocols and standard laboratory safety regulations and practices.
- Previous background or interest in a high‐velocity start‐up or agile research setting.
- Interest in the potential of AI and machine learning for scientific breakthroughs and accelerated materials discovery.
Why Join Us
- Master the operation of sophisticated synthesis and characterisation instrumentation through dedicated mentorship and hands‐on training.
- Help establish a lab from the ground up: the processes, the culture, and the capabilities are yours to help shape.
- Grow quickly: a clear path to take on more responsibility as you develop.
- Diffractive is building the AI Material Scientist that autonomously learns from real-world experimentation to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. We're early, moving fast, and working on problems that genuinely matter.
- You'll join a small, high-calibre team where your work has real impact from day one. We're London-based. We offer competitive salary and benefits. You'll have a real impact on what we do and in the company's overall success.
How to Apply
If you're excited about this role and believe you could thrive in it, we'd encourage you to apply even if you may not align with every part of the job description. 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.
Hit the apply button below to submit your application. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
Junior Lab Technician in London employer: Diffractive Labs
At Diffractive, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment in the heart of London. As a Junior Lab Technician, you'll receive dedicated mentorship and hands-on training, allowing you to master sophisticated instrumentation while contributing to groundbreaking research. With a clear path for growth and the opportunity to shape our lab's culture and processes, you'll be part of a high-calibre team where your contributions have a meaningful impact from day one.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Lab Technician in London
✨Get Hands-On with Research Projects
Look for opportunities to assist on research projects at your university or in local labs. It’s a brilliant way to gain practical experience and make connections that can lead to entry-level roles in chemistry.
✨Join Chemistry Societies and Events
Engage with local chemistry societies or attend events like lab open days and science fairs. These can help us meet professionals in the field and learn about job openings, especially for entry-level positions.
✨Show Off Your Skills with a Portfolio
Create a simple portfolio showcasing your projects, experiments, and any relevant coursework. This can impress potential employers at places like Diffractive Labs when you're applying for entry-level roles.
✨Utilise Career Services at Your Uni
Don’t underestimate your university's career services. They often have job listings, workshops, and can connect us with internships or entry-level positions tailored for new chemistry grads!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Lab Technician in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In chemistry, it's all about those practical skills! Make sure to highlight any relevant lab experience or techniques you've learned during your studies. Include specific techniques or instruments you're familiar with in your CV – this showsHiring Managers that you’re ready to get your hands dirty from day one!
Highlight Your Projects:If you've completed any projects or research during your studies, definitely include those! Talk about your role, the outcomes, and any data analysis you did. This not only shows your passion for chemistry but also your ability to apply your knowledge in a real-world context.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Chemistry:Your cover letter is your chance to express your excitement for chemistry and this entry-level position. Dive into why you're passionate about the field and how you’ve prepared for it through your coursework or internships. Make it personal and unique – we want to see your personality shine through!
Don't Skip Soft Skills:While technical skills are crucial, don’t forget to mention your soft skills. Collaboration, communication, and problem-solving are key in chemistry environments, especially when working in teams or presenting findings. Include examples that demonstrate these abilities – they can set you apart from other candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diffractive Labs
✨Know Your Chemistry Fundamentals
Make sure to brush up on your core chemistry principles. We’ll likely face technical questions about things like organic reactions or laboratory techniques. This shows we’ve got the technical chops that a role in chemistry requires.
✨Show Off Your Lab Experience
Entry-level roles often want to see our hands-on experience. Even if it’s from university labs, be ready to discuss specific experiments we conducted, the protocols we followed, and any results we achieved. This can really impress interviewers at Diffractive Labs.
✨Mind Our Soft Skills
Apart from technical know-how, we should highlight our teamwork and communication skills. Chemistry often involves collaboration, so examples of working in lab groups or presenting findings will really help us shine.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
In entry-level interviews for chemistry, we might face hypothetical problem-solving scenarios. Practice how we’d approach a given problem or experiment, showcasing our critical thinking and decision-making skills. Think of it as a fun challenge!
