POSITION SUMMARY

Lace is looking to appoint an experienced and dynamic Lab Manager to oversee our day-to-day laboratory operations in Bergen and to work on the establishment of a new, expanded clean-room facility including the procurement of new instrumentation. Underpinning the activities of our Hardware Team, this role will provide specialist technical support and management to ensure the success of hardware projects.

Ideal candidates will have a scientific/engineering background with experience in the management of lab facilities and complex instrumentation within a clean room environment. Experience with semiconductor fabrication processing tools is a strong advantage. The Lab Manager will work closely with the Head of Hardware and Technical Project Manager in establishing critical technical infrastructure and delivering the hardware goals of the company.

This is a key role in managing the operational success of our hardware initiatives, combining technical support and leadership with practical lab management duties.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

This list is not all inclusive. Additional duties will be assigned as needed.

• Oversee daily lab operations, including scheduling, equipment maintenance, and inventory management.
• Supervise hardware team members in the operation of a range of instruments, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
• Collaborate with the hardware team to design experiments and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Ensure timely data collection and analysis, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and laboratory protocols.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) and best practices.
• Manage the lab budget, including procurement of supplies and equipment.
• Conduct training sessions for staff on instrument use, lab procedures and safety protocols.
• Stay up-to-date on advancements in the field and integrate new technologies and instruments into the lab.
• Ensure that all essential lab supplies and services are in place to maximize efficiency and effectiveness of instrument use.
• Report to the Head of Hardware. Communicate with team leads, the Technical Project Manager, and the CTO and COO, and provide regular updates on project progress, risks, and strategic impact to senior leadership.
• Take hands-on responsibility in dealing with suppliers, procurement and keeping a well-maintained and clean lab.
• Liaise with contractors and make sure that infrastructure is set up in time and according to agreements.
• Take responsibility for Health and Safety in the Lace laboratories.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The Lab Manager has detailed knowledge and specialist technical skills across a range of scientific instruments and techniques, ideally those relevant to the semiconductor industry and involving high and ultrahigh vacuum. They have extensive experience in the operation and maintenance of multiple instruments, combining practical knowhow with problem solving capability. The Lab Manager will ensure that the hardware team is able to carry out its duties as effectively as possible, managing resources and schedules, and providing technical leadership and training. Experience in setting-up and equipping a complex lab from scratch is highly desirable.

The Lab Manager must be able to work independently in anticipating the needs of the hardware team and ensuring necessary resources are in place and equipment is functional. Technical problems will be overcome in a timely fashion with a proactive ‘can-do’ attitude. They will work within project and budget constraints, cultivate and maintain healthy professional relationships, and meet deadlines and goals as set out by the management team. They will also be able to communicate effectively and deliver updates on progress and plans to management and the wider Lace team.

The Lab Manager understands that the technical infrastructure of Lace is critical to the company’s goals and that instrument downtime and delays in the installation and operation of equipment significantly impacts progress and the operations of the hardware team. They will escalate issues to the appropriate stakeholders before or as soon as they arise.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BS degree in Science/Engineering or related field required. MS/PhD preferred.
• Experience in industry managing lab facilities and instruments
• Experience in industry or in a research lab setting up and operating complex instrumentation
• Experience working in clean room environments
• Experience in communicating with and working across diverse teams to deliver common project goals
• Experience in vacuum or ultra-high-vacuum equipment
• Competencies: Team player, persistence/resilience, pro-active with sense of urgency, quick learner, good communicator, growth mindset.
• Experience developing hardware (optical, electrical, mechanical, scientific)