Lab Manager in Abingdon

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on. Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for ground breaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £43,702 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension. Onsite working is expected for 5 days each week, however, we actively support requests for flexible working. This role can be based at any of the following sites: Culham, Oxfordshire.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions and possibly a search of open source data.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Tritium Analysis Laboratory Manager to join the Tritium Fuel Cycle Division at Culham Science Centre. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in supporting the development of fusion energy by leading the operation and continuous improvement of the Tritium Analysis Laboratory (TAL). The laboratory delivers specialist analytical and waste characterisation services that support the safe management and disposal of radioactive materials across a range of pioneering UKAEA programmes.

As the Tritium Analysis Laboratory Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring laboratory operations are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. You will oversee laboratory equipment, analytical methods, quality systems, and competency programmes, while driving continuous improvement, operational excellence, and future accreditation activities.

Working within a highly skilled scientific and technical environment, you will have the opportunity to influence laboratory strategy, develop innovative analytical solutions, and contribute directly to the UK's mission to deliver sustainable fusion energy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure the Tritium Analysis Laboratory operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with relevant procedures and safety documentation.
• Manage laboratory equipment, ensuring analytical instruments are maintained, calibrated, and fit for purpose.
• Undertake preparation and analysis of radioactive, beryllium contaminated and chemically contaminated samples.
• Develop, validate, and improve analytical methods, producing timely reports as required to support these tasks.
• Maintain laboratory quality assurance systems and documentation.
• Review, verify, and report analytical results to internal customers.
• Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory personnel.
• Support the development and implementation of laboratory competency management programmes.
• Contribute to obtaining and maintaining UKAS accreditation where required.
• Assist wider Waste Innovation Group activities as necessary.

Essential Requirements:

• HNC/HND (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Demonstrable experience working within a laboratory environment.
• Proven ability to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical equipment.
• Strong organisational, planning, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

UKAEA’s mission is clean energy for all, and we welcome talented people from all backgrounds to help us achieve this goal. We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and strive to ensure fair representation across our workforce. We particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in STEM, including women and individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, while ensuring all appointments are made on merit.

UK Atomic Energy Authority is committed to being accessible. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or require help or adjustments to compete on a fair basis, for example, changes to the way we interview or share information.