Lab Operations Manager (f/m/d)

Lead and grow the Lab Operations team: a small, specialised crew that includes a safety officer (Sicherheitsbeauftragte*r), a lab operations specialist, and our data manager. You set priorities and standards and are accountable for the team's results.

Own the lab and pilot-plant infrastructure end to end: procurement, commissioning, calibration, preventive maintenance and documentation. This is the hands-on core of the role: you keep equipment available and the facility ready rather than working on scientific questions.

Be accountable for occupational safety in the lab and pilot plant: you make sure DGUV and GefStoffV standards, SOPs, and hazardous-substance and waste protocols are actually followe, your safety officer runs the day-to-day.

Own lab data management as a leadership topic: you set priorities and drive adoption and data discipline across the lab, your data manager builds and runs the systems, dashboards and databases.

Own the process for reactor safety and TÜV/inspection approvals: keep it structured, scheduled and compliant. The individual technical cases are led by the respective R&D teams, who hold the case lead and the required certifications.

Be the operational interface to R&D teams, infrastructure partners and vendors and the go-to troubleshooter who clears facility and logistics roadblocks.

Allocate people, equipment, lab space and consumables across current and future sites in line with R&D priorities.

Degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Process Engineering or a related technical field (M.Sc. preferred; a PhD is welcome but not required we value hands-on operational depth as highly as the academic title).

Min. 3 years of practical experience in lab and/or pilot-plant operations. Ideally you have worked inside a Lab Operations team and already taken first leadership steps as a deputy or stand-in. 

First experience leading or coordinating people, and the instinct to deliver through specialists rather than doing everything yourself.

Solid practical grasp of lab and pilot-plant infrastructure, maintenance, procurement and safety frameworks (DGUV, GefStoffV).

Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken); German language skills are advantageous but not necessary.

You bring a hands-on mindset, structure your work efficiently, and collaborate seamlessly across disciplines even under the dynamics of a fast-paced start-up environment.