Diffractive Labs
Junior Lab Technician
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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.
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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.
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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.
How to Apply
If you're excited about this role and believe you could thrive in it, we'd encourage you to apply even if you may not align with every part of the job description.
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.
Hit the apply button below to submit your application. We are looking forward to hearing from you!
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