UK Atomic Energy Authority
Lab Manager

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Company Description
By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.
Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.
UKAEA leads the way in realizing fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.
As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:
- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options including family-friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.
What to expect in our recruitment process:
For a step-by-step overview of how we hire from application to offer please see our Recruitment Process page: careers.ukaea.uk/join-us/recruitment-process
Job Description
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.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
The Role
Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a real difference? Join UKAEA and help shape the future of fusion energy.
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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Essential Requirements:
- 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.
Additional Information
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 [email protected] 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.
Salary: £43,702 (inclusive of Specialist Allowance) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Division: Tritium Fuel Cycle
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Confirmed Grade: Grade E
Department: Tritium Fuel Cycle
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location