Junior Lab Manager - Sample Preparation
(all genders)
Junior Lab Manager – Sample Preparation
We’re building the operating system for materials analysis.
Right now, scientists spend far too much time battling outdated tools just to analyze their crystallographic data. That slows down progress in fields like renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.
We’re fixing it
In just 18 months, Momentum Transfer has gone from spinout to seed-funded startup to the go-to platform for powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements as a service. More than 2,300 researchers already rely on us to push their work forward.
Build our lab from scratch
The Mindset
This role is for someone who loves the hands-on work of making a lab run beautifully. You'll help plan, build, and operate our powder sample preparation laboratory in Hamburg—from setting up equipment to following established workflows to processing thousands of samples with precision and care.
We're looking for somebody who takes pride in doing things right, is eager to learn optimization processes, and finds satisfaction in a well-organized lab.
Who this is for
You have some experience in a laboratory environment—maybe as a lab technician, research assistant, or in an internship in academia or industry. You're eager to develop your skills and grow into a more independent role. You know the basics of handling samples and maintaining equipment, or you're ready to learn quickly. You're comfortable following guidance while taking initiative where appropriate.
You don't need a PhD. You need foundational practical skills, eagerness to learn, reliability, and a genuine love for lab work.
The Role
This is a hands-on role where you'll help build and run our sample preparation facility in Hamburg. You'll work alongside our team to establish the operation—from setting up workstations and following SOPs to processing customer samples for synchrotron measurements. You will be in close communication with the operational team in Grenoble who will be measuring the samples in the synchrotron beamline.
Your day-to-day will include:
- Strategic Planning & Setup – Help set up workstations, organize equipment, maintain lab cleanliness and order
- Sample Preparation – Receive, log, prepare, and package powder samples for XRD measurements following established protocols
- Quality & Process Leadership – Follow standard operating procedures, document your work, ensure consistent quality
- Equipment & Maintenance – Perform routine maintenance on instruments, manage consumables, report issues promptly
- Logistics & Coordination – Assist with sample shipping to synchrotron facilities, track sample status
- Learning & Improvement – Learn new techniques, suggest improvements, develop your skills as the lab grows
You'll work closely with our operations team and scientists, receiving guidance and mentorship as you develop. This is an opportunity to grow your expertise in a supportive environment.
What we’re looking for
Basic hands-on lab experience – You've worked in a lab before, even if briefly. You know how to handle samples carefully, follow protocols precisely, and keep a workspace clean and organized. Any experience with powder samples or sample preparation is a plus. Glove box experience would be great but not required.
Practical problem-solver – Equipment breaks, samples arrive damaged, timelines shift. You stay calm, communicate issues clearly, and work to find solutions with your team.
Organized and detail-oriented – Sample tracking, inventory management, documentation—you're careful about the details. You understand that accuracy matters. When you say something is done, it's done right.
Eager to learn – You'll be building this lab with guidance from the team. You need to be comfortable asking questions, learning new techniques, and gradually taking on more responsibility.
Team player – You communicate clearly, take feedback well, and work collaboratively with others.
Who we are looking for
We need someone who takes pride in their craft – You care about doing lab work well. A well-prepared sample, a clean workspace, a smooth process—these things matter to you.
We need someone eager to grow – You're not just looking for a job; you're looking to build your skills and career. You want to learn from experienced colleagues and take on more responsibility over time.
We need a team player – You'll work with guidance most of the time, but you're part of a small, international team. Clear communication, flexibility, and mutual respect are essential.
We need reliability – Our customers depend on us. Deadlines matter. Consistency matters. You show up and deliver.
Why join us
Joining Momentum Transfer means building something from the ground up. You won't just maintain someone else's lab—you'll help create one, with real opportunities to learn and grow.
You'll be part of a mission that matters: accelerating materials research for energy, healthcare, and sustainability. Every sample you prepare contributes to scientific discoveries worldwide.
You'll work with a supportive team that values quality and craftsmanship. And you'll have significant room to develop your skills and advance as we scale our operations.
The Details
Contract: permanent
Type: full-time
Location: Hamburg (on-site)
Start: as soon as possible
Salary: competitive, based on experience
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