Technical Lead – Head of Discovery Laboratories

Overview

Technical Lead – Head of Discovery Laboratories

Contract Type:
Permanent

Reporting to:
Chief Technology Officer

Job Description:

SEEDS is a mature technical Research and Development company creating cutting-edge engineered-graphene based energy storage systems. We are in an exciting position to offer an extremely high value opportunity to join us at the start of our commercialisation process.

We are seeking an exceptional, solutions-orientated Technical Lead who will manage our laboratory facilities and oversee our public sector funded R&D projects. This role will be instrumental in driving innovation and ensuring successful collaboration with key funding bodies such as the European Space Agency (ESA), Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), and Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP).

We have a superb range and depth to our commercialisation potential and this role offers a chance to join us at the ground level and have a major impact on our success. Initial focus of the Technical Lead will be on supporting a project to develop our graphene-based supercapacitors for space.

Secondary focus will be to help set up and then provide leadership for our R&D Discovery Laboratories. Our Discovery Labs will include facilities for electrochemical testing, graphene processing, prototype fabrication and environmental testing.

As a Technical Lead Specialist, you will:

• Manage and maintain laboratory facilities
  , ensuring compliance with safety regulations and operational efficiency.
• Lead R&D projects funded by public sector organisations, delivering innovative technical solutions.
• Develop and oversee project roadmaps
  , ensuring deliverables are met within scope, time, and budget.
• Engage with stakeholders from government bodies, academic institutions, and industry partners.
• Write technical reports and funding proposals to support ongoing and future research projects.
• Ensure quality control and best practices in research methodologies and laboratory procedures.
• Mentor and support technical staff and researchers within the facility.

You will have significant autonomy to shape laboratory strategy, equipment procurement and technical direction.

We operate with a fast‑moving, collaborative and experiment‑driven culture where technical leaders have real influence.

• PhD or Master’s in a Materials Science, Nanotechnology, Electrochemistry or related fields.
• Proven experience in laboratory management
  , including health and safety compliance.
• Having experience with TRL progression, reporting frameworks and compliance requirements, you will have a strong track record in leading public sector-funded R&D projects with organisations like ESA, DASA, Innovate UK.
• Excellent technical problem-solving skills and project management expertise.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement and collaboration with funding bodies and research institutions.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills
  .
• Technical understanding of advanced materials especially nano-scale such as graphene, chemistry and engineering of power and energy systems, including supercapacitors.
• Understanding of engineering requirements for prototyping, applied R&D, testing & validating, commissioning, etc.
• Experience working in aerospace, defence, or high-tech R&D sectors
  .
• Knowledge of grant applications and funding processes for public sector projects.
• Familiarity with intellectual property (IP) and commercialisation strategies
  .

• Be at the forefront of cutting-edge materials application research with high-impact projects
  .
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative and innovation-driven environment
  .
• This role is expected to evolve into Head of Discovery Laboratories as the team grows.
• Be part of an advanced materials mature 'start-up' on the cusp of huge growth
  .
• Gain early employee share options relating to a strong, highly scalable, materials platform technology.

If you are a proactive and highly skilled technical leader looking to drive innovation and research excellence, we would love to hear from you!

Send your CV and a covering letter to: jobshnology

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have full right to work in the UK

• Closing date:
  End of Sunday 15
  th
  February 2026