Junior Lab Technician

Diffractive Labs; London; On-site; NOK 304,000 - 406,000; Full time

Job summary

Diffractive Labs in London is seeking a Junior Lab Technician to help run experiments and keep our materials synthesis and characterisation lab operating smoothly. This entry-level contract offers hands-on experience with research-grade instruments and close mentorship from experienced technicians.

You will collaborate with materials scientists and ML researchers to design experiments, record precise results, and support the lab's growth within a fast-moving startup environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field (materials science, physics, chemistry or engineering).
• Practical exposure to lab environments through projects or placements.
• Rigorous, methodical mindset with attention to detail.
• Eagerness to learn operation and upkeep of sophisticated instrumentation.
• Strong safety discipline and clean, accurate record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Operate core instrument suite including XRD, SEM and deposition systems.
• Perform routine maintenance and diagnose faults before failure.
• Run synthesis and characterisation experiments with reproducible data capture.
• Assist in writing SOPs and risk assessments for equipment and processes.
• Manage consumables, materials inventory, and equipment readiness.
• Collaborate with scientists and ML researchers on experimental design and data interpretation.
• Support integration of experimental data into digital infrastructure and AI pipelines.

Skills

Lab safety procedures

Data recording & QC

Instrumentation operation

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline (materials science, physics, chemistry, or engineering)

Tools

XRD

SEM

Thin film deposition systems

High vacuum systems

Job description

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a Junior Lab Technician to help run experiments and keep our materials synthesis and characterisation 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 energised 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 organisational 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, arc melting, metal grinding and polishing, or high-vacuum systems.
• Familiarity with chemicals 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.

Please note, due to the nature of our equipment, this role is not suited for people with an active implantable medical devices such as pacemakers.

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.