Head of Sample Preparation (all genders)

Right now, scientists spend far too much time battling outdated tools and fragmented processes to characterize their materials. That slows down progress in fields like mining, batteries, sustainable cement, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. The world relies on real progress in these fields fast.

We're fixing it.

Momentum Transfer has closed a successful pre-seed round and is on path to become the go-to platform for powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements as a service. More than 2,300 researchers from the global materials science community already rely on us to push their work forward.

Aufgaben

Lead our sample preparation operation
The Mindset
Our sample preparation laboratory in Hamburg is built and equipped. Now we need someone to own it — commission it, run it to a high standard, and continuously make it better. This role is for someone who takes pride in precision, has a sharp eye for process, and wants to be the bridge between physical lab work and the digital workflows within our IT environment.
We're looking for somebody who takes ownership, drives quality, and finds satisfaction in a process that runs like clockwork.
Who this is for
You have solid experience in a laboratory environment — as a lab manager, lab technician, or research professional in academia or industry. You know how to handle powders, prepare samples, maintain equipment, and document everything properly. You're comfortable working independently, taking initiative, and working closely with a distributed team.
You don't need a PhD. You need practical expertise, the ability to think in systems, and a genuine drive to do things right.
The Role
This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll take full ownership of our sample preparation facility in Hamburg. The lab is ready — your job is to commission it, run it, and make it better every day. You'll work closely with our operations team and our scientists in Grenoble, and you'll play a key role in connecting physical lab workflows into structured digital processes.

Your day-to-day will include:

• Commissioning the Lab – Bring the laboratory into full operation: validate instruments, complete safety certifications, run first samples through end-to-end, review, update, and sign off on all SOPs and Risk Assessments to ensure they remain current and audit-ready.
• Sample Preparation – Receive, log, prepare, and package powder samples for XRD measurements with precision and consistency.
• Quality & Process – Own and maintain all standard operating procedures; ensure consistent quality across every sample batch.
• Process Optimization – Continuously identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies; improve throughput, reliability, and turnaround time as our sample volume grows.
• IT Integration – Work with our engineering team to translate lab procedures and workflows into our IT systems — from sample tracking and scheduling to documentation and reporting.
• Collaboration with Grenoble – Be the primary point of contact between our Hamburg lab and the measurement team at the synchrotron beamline in Grenoble; coordinate sample scheduling, communicate preparation parameters, and resolve issues together.
• Equipment & Maintenance – Maintain all instruments, manage consumables, and keep the lab running smoothly day to day.
• Logistics – Coordinate sample shipment to synchrotron facilities and track sample status throughout the measurement cycle.

You'll own the lab. This is your domain to lead, run, and develop.

Qualifikation

What we're looking for

• Hands-on lab experience – You've worked in a lab environment and 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 a strong plus.
• Process mindset – You think in systems. You spot what's inefficient, figure out how to fix it, and document the improvement so it sticks.
• Comfort with digital tools – You're not a software engineer, but you're not afraid of digital systems either. You can work with our team to translate what happens in the lab into workflows, forms, and data — and you'll be part of shaping how that looks.
• Organized and reliable – Sample tracking, inventory management, documentation — you're meticulous about the details. When you say something is done, it's done right.
• Collaborative – You'll work closely with a team in another country. Clear communication, patience, and a collaborative spirit are essential.
• Independent – You'll lead the lab largely on your own. You're comfortable taking initiative, making decisions, and asking for help when you need it.

Who we're 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 operator and an optimizer – You're not building this lab from scratch — you're taking it from commissioned to excellent. That means running it reliably, spotting what can be better, and making it so.
• We need a connector – You'll be the link between our physical lab and our IT environment, and between Hamburg and Grenoble. You communicate clearly, work well across teams, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
• We need reliability – Our customers depend on us. Deadlines matter. Consistency matters. You show up and deliver.

Benefits

Why join us
Joining Momentum Transfer means taking ownership of something that matters. The lab is ready — you're the person who makes it run.
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, international team that values quality and craftsmanship. And you'll have real influence over how our lab operation grows as we scale.

The details
Type - Full-time
Contract - Permanent
Location - Hamburg (full time on-site)
Start - As soon as possible
Salary - Competitive, based on experience
Process

• Application (from below)
• "Get to know" Interview
• On-site Visit / Practical Discussion
• Founders Call
• Offer

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you love lab work and want to lead something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.