Senior Lab Engineer & Operations Manager

Senior Lab Engineer & Operations Manager

Join an ambitious deep-tech organisation developing next-generation materials technologies at the intersection of experimental science and advanced data-driven research. This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll take ownership of laboratory operations, equipment strategy, and continuous improvement, helping to build a high-performing experimental environment that supports cutting-edge R&D.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead day-to-day laboratory operations, ensuring equipment, processes, and workflows run efficiently and reliably.
• Drive improvements in laboratory throughput, equipment utilisation, and experimental quality across synthesis and characterisation activities.
• Oversee equipment maintenance, fault-finding, calibration, and commissioning of new instrumentation.
• Work closely with scientific and technical teams to deliver experimental programmes and support research objectives.
• Develop SOPs, risk assessments, and operational best practices that promote safety, consistency, and scalability.
• Support laboratory automation initiatives and the integration of experimental data into digital research systems.
• Mentor laboratory staff and help shape a high-performing research environment

What experience you’ll need to apply:

• Significant experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex laboratory or scientific equipment in a research, engineering, or manufacturing environment.
• A track record of improving operational performance, equipment reliability, and laboratory efficiency.
• Strong technical problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose and resolve equipment issues independently.
• Experience developing SOPs, maintenance procedures, and laboratory documentation.
• Comfortable working across multidisciplinary teams and supporting technically complex R&D programmes.
• A proactive, organised approach with a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Desirable:

• Experience with laboratory automation, instrument integration, or data-capture systems.
• Python, scripting, or CAD experience.
• Previous experience within a start-up, scale-up, or fast-paced R&D environment.

What you’ll get in return for your experience:
An opportunity to join an early-stage start-up in a unique field of development, this role will be influential for company growth with huge daily task variety. The company has a very flat structure with lots opportunity for collaborative working and therefore skill sharing.
Competitive salary + Equity!

What’s next?
If you’re excited by creating high-performing laboratory environments and enabling breakthrough scientific research through operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch with Jazz (Jazz@adlib-recruitment.co.uk) for more information.