Senior Lab Manager - Sample Preparation
(all genders)
Senior 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Right now, scientists spend far too much time battling outdated tools just to analyze their crystallographic data.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 plan, build, and operate our powder sample preparation laboratory in Hamburg—from selecting equipment to establishing workflows to processing thousands of samples with precision and care.
We're looking for somebody who takes pride in doing things right, enjoys optimizing processes, and finds satisfaction in a well-organized lab.
Who this is for
You have significant experience in a laboratory environment—as a lab manager, senior technician, or research specialist in academia or industry. You've led lab operations before and know how to build systems that scale. You know how to handle powders, prepare samples, and maintain equipment. You're comfortable working independently, mentoring others, and take ownership of your space.
You don't need a PhD. You need proven practical skills, leadership experience, reliability, and a genuine love for lab work.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll build and run our sample preparation facility in Hamburg. You'll be responsible for the entire operation—from planning the lab layout and purchasing equipment to establishing SOPs and 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 – Design the lab layout, source and purchase equipment, set up workstations, plan for future scaling
- Sample Preparation – Receive, log, prepare, and package powder samples for XRD measurements
- Quality & Process Leadership – Establish and document standard operating procedures, ensure consistent quality, implement quality control systems
- Equipment & Maintenance – Maintain instruments, manage consumables, keep the lab running smoothly, plan preventive maintenance schedules
- Logistics & Coordination – Coordinate sample shipping to synchrotron facilities, track sample status, manage vendor relationships
- Continuous Improvement & Scaling – Identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, scale our capacity, prepare for team expansion
- Mentorship – As we grow, you'll train and guide junior team members
You'll work closely with our operations team and scientists, but you'll own the lab. This is your domain to build and run.
What we’re looking for
Extensive hands-on lab experience – You've worked in a lab for 5+ years. You know how to handle samples carefully, follow protocols precisely, and keep a workspace clean and organized. Experience with powder samples or XRD sample preparation is strongly preferred. Glove box experience would be great.
Strategic problem-solver – Equipment breaks, samples arrive damaged, timelines shift. You stay calm, find solutions, implement preventive measures, and keep things moving. You think ahead to avoid problems before they happen.
Highly organized and reliable – Sample tracking, inventory management, documentation—you're meticulous about the details. You've built or improved lab systems before. When you say something is done, it's done right.
Independent leader – You'll be building this lab largely on your own initially. You need to be comfortable taking initiative, making strategic decisions, and knowing when to ask for help. You can work autonomously while keeping stakeholders informed.
Process-oriented – You've established SOPs, trained others, and improved lab efficiency. You think systematically about how to scale operations.
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 an experienced builder – You're not just running an existing lab; you're creating one from your experience. That means applying lessons learned, anticipating challenges, and continuously improving.
We need a team player and future mentor – You'll work independently most of the time, but you're part of a small, international team. Clear communication, flexibility, and mutual respect are essential. As we grow, you'll help bring others up to speed.
We need reliability and accountability – Our customers depend on us. Deadlines matter. Consistency matters. You show up and deliver, and you take ownership of outcomes.
Why join us
Joining Momentum Transfer means building something from the ground up. You won't inherit someone else's lab—you'll create your own, with real ownership and autonomy.
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 room to grow as we scale our operations, potentially moving into broader operational leadership roles.
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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