Lab Technician (Catalysis) at Nium

Nium is a UK-based climate tech company, founded in 2022 with a clear and ambitious mission: to eliminate emissions at scale by disrupting the global ammonia production market.

Ammonia is one of the world's most essential chemicals, supporting approximately 50% of global food production as fertiliser. However, its conventional production process is a significant climate challenge, accounting for around 1.3% of global CO₂ emissions and 2% of the world's energy use.

We employ nanotechnology and advanced engineering to produce clean ammonia, unlocking its potential as a zero-carbon fuel for the future. Our goal is specific and bold: by producing 2 million tonnes of clean ammonia by 2032, we will have avoided 10 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. To achieve this, we are looking for mission-driven, talented people to help us accelerate our progress.

 

Role

As our Catalyst Lab Technician, you will form the core of our experimental testing capability, with direct responsibility for running the experiments fundamental to our success. You are a hands-on individual who takes pride in running a safe, efficient and well-maintained laboratory.

This is a critical lab-based role where your reliability, meticulous work, and ownership of lab processes will directly contribute to developing the next generation of catalysts for a zero-carbon future. Please note: Given the hands-on requirements of this laboratory-based position, the successful candidate will be expected to work on site at our Milton Park facility full-time.

 

What you will do (Key responsibilities)

  • Execute Experiments: Accurately execute catalyst performance tests by operating and maintaining our bespoke flow reactor systems, combined with Gas Chromatography (GC) analysis.
  • Own Lab Processes: Take ownership of experimental best practices by writing, refining, and rigorously following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all key testing and maintenance tasks.
  • Ensure Data Integrity: Meticulously log all experimental parameters and results in our Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), following structured data templates to enable efficient analysis by the science team.
  • Manage Equipment Health: Take pride in the lab environment by performing routine and preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and managing calibration for all test rigs and analytical equipment, in consultation with the engineering team.
  • Manage Lab Readiness: Manage laboratory consumables, gas supplies, and chemical inventory to eliminate avoidable downtime.
  • Collaborate Effectively: Work closely with Senior Scientists to understand experimental goals and execute test plans. Collaborate with the catalyst production and material characterisation teams for sample preparation and workflow management.
  • Uphold the highest standards of lab safety: Ensure you and the team strictly adhere to all protocols and procedures.

 

You will have:

  • A strong foundational knowledge in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
  • This should be demonstrated through one of two ways:
  • A relevant formal qualification (e.g., Bachelor's degree, HND, BTEC) plus at least 2-3 years of hands-on laboratory experience in a chemical or materials laboratory.
  • OR a more extensive track record (e.g., 5+ years) of equivalent hands-on experience from an industrial or vocational background, such as a chemical or materials laboratory setting.
  • A highly organised and process-driven mindset with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Strong practical and problem-solving skills for hands-on work with laboratory instrumentation.
  • A proactive and reliable work ethic, with a strong sense of ownership for your responsibilities and the lab environment.

 

Highly Desirable:

  • Practical experience with catalyst testing, particularly using flow reactor systems.
  • Familiarity with analytical tools such as Gas Chromatography (GC) or Mass Spectrometry (MS).
  • Knowledge of materials synthesis or catalyst preparation techniques.
  • Experience writing and maintaining SOPs in a laboratory setting.

For more information and to apply visit https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4275619135/