Lab Manager

Fusion Energy Base; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent pension

Benefits package

Job summary

UK Atomic Energy Authority at Culham, Oxfordshire, is seeking a Lab Manager to lead the Tritium Analysis Laboratory operations. You will ensure safe, efficient delivery of analytical services, manage equipment, methods, and quality systems, and supervise staff while driving continuous improvement and competency programmes.

The role supports UKAS accreditation efforts, contributes to the Waste Innovation Group, and partners with cross‑disciplinary teams to enable safe management of radioactive

Qualifications

• HNC/HND or equivalent in a scientific discipline.
• Laboratory experience with analytical equipment.
• Strong organisational and communication skills; able to work independently.

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.

Skills

Lab experience

Equipment maintenance

Analytical thinking

Organisational skills

Independent working

Communication skills

Education

HNC/HND in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Analytical instruments

Job description

Lab Manager

Overview of Responsibilities

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Salary

£43,702 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension

Programme Details

Programme: Tritium Fuel Cycle
Department: Project Management
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Type of Employment: Full-time
Reference Number: REF4540N

Additional Information

View benefits
A full list of our benefits can be found here https://careers.ukaea.uk/life-at-ukaea/employee-benefits/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 [e-mail] 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.
Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.