Lab Operations Manager - Optics

CT19, incorporated; Zürich; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CT19, incorporated is building a new optics research lab in Zurich and is seeking an experienced operations leader to shape day-to-day activities and long-term infrastructure. You will own facilities, purchasing, and supplier relationships while collaborating with international teams to ensure a compliant, efficient environment.

Responsibilities include establishing lab safety procedures, tracking budgets, and coordinating hiring, permits, and relocations as the team expands.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in operations, management or project management.
• Experience building operational systems from scratch with ownership of facilities and workflows.
• Strong budget management, financial reporting and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Working knowledge of Swiss employment and workplace safety requirements.
• Fluent English; German at B2 level or above is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the setup and daily operations of the Zurich site, overseeing facilities, purchasing, inventory, shipping and receiving.
• Coordinate with contractors and suppliers, manage maintenance and repairs, ensure a safe working environment.
• Build internal processes, track budgets and expenses, implement lab safety procedures.
• Support contracts, regulatory compliance and local administration with colleagues in the US.
• Assist with hiring and onboarding, including work-permit and relocation logistics.

Skills

Operations management

Budget management

Stakeholder coordination

Project management

Regulatory compliance

English (fluent)

Tools

Budgeting tools

Job description

Build a new research site from the ground up, backed by an established quantum computing company. This is an opportunity to shape how a new optics research lab operates, putting the facilities, processes and support in place for the team to grow.

You will work directly with the Head of Optics Research and report to the VP of Finance, taking ownership of the practical details that turn a new facility into a functioning research environment.

From overseeing the lab fit out to establishing suppliers, managing budgets and welcoming new employees, you'll have broad responsibility and the chance to see the impact of your work every day.

What you'll do:

Lead the setup and daily operations of the Zurich site, overseeing facilities, purchasing, inventory, shipping and receiving. You'll coordinate with contractors and suppliers, manage maintenance and repairs, and ensure the lab provides a safe, reliable working environment.

You'll build internal processes, track budgets and expenses, and implement lab safety procedures covering laser and electrical safety. Working closely with colleagues in the US, you'll also support contracts, regulatory compliance and local administration.

Alongside this, you'll support hiring and onboarding, including work-permit and relocation logistics, helping the research team expand smoothly.

What you'll need:

• 8+ years of experience in operations, management or project management, ideally within a startup, research, university, photonics or deep-tech environment.
• Experience building operational systems from scratch, with hands-on ownership of facilities, suppliers and workflows.
• Strong budget management, financial reporting and stakeholder coordination skills.
• Working knowledge of Swiss employment and workplace safety requirements.
• A practical, organized approach and the adaptability to manage both major projects and everyday tasks.
• Fluent English, with German at B2 level or above a plus.

About the company:

An established neutral-atom quantum computing company expanding its research presence with a new optics lab in Zurich. You will help build the operational foundations of the Swiss site, working with an international team developing advanced quantum computers.