Founding Operator

Axon Labs exists to help researchers succeed. We procure, install, train on, and support the world’s best eye-tracking, biosensor, and behavioral research systems so labs can focus on discovery, not logistics. As our Founding Operator you will turn that mission into a repeatable, profitable operation—working side-by-side with founder Tivadar Limbacher to build the engine that lets more scientists get the tools they need, faster.

Performance Objectives

• Stand up end-to-end procurement, installation, and training workflows so every client project ships on time and within budget within the first 90 days.
• Convert inbound research inquiries into signed partnerships, closing at least 8 new laboratory contracts in the first year while protecting our win-win pricing model.
• Design and launch a lightweight CRM + project-tracking system that gives the founder real-time visibility on pipeline, inventory, and cash without adding headcount.
• Recruit, onboard, and coach the first two specialists (technical trainer and logistics coordinator) so the team can handle 3× current volume by month 12.
• Negotiate vendor terms with Tobii, Noldus, and complementary suppliers that improve margin by 8–12 % while locking in priority allocation for Hungarian and CEE clients.
• Create a client-success playbook that drives 90 %+ renewal and referral rates, turning first-time buyers into multi-year research partners.

Environment & Resources

You report directly to the founder and sit at the center of a 1–10 person Budapest team. You will have full access to existing vendor relationships, a modest operating budget, and the authority to choose the tools (Notion, HubSpot, or equivalent) that keep us lean. Travel is limited to client sites across Central Europe; most work happens from our Budapest base or remote.

Essential Qualifications

• Proven track record building or scaling operations inside a research-equipment, medical-device, or scientific-services company (startup or SME).
• Hands-on experience managing multi-vendor procurement, customs, and on-site installation in the EU.
• Ability to sell consultatively to principal investigators and lab managers—comfortable discussing both technical specs and research outcomes.
• Fluent English plus Hungarian (or willingness to reach professional fluency quickly); additional CEE languages a plus.
• Comfort wearing every hat—from quoting a Tobii system to coaching a new hire—while keeping the founder informed, not surprised.

Role Selling Points

• Genuine co-builder seat: equity conversation is on the table for the right operator.
• Direct impact on how cognitive and biosensor research gets done across Central Europe.
• Work with a founder who has 15 years of field credibility and zero corporate layers.
• Small, high-trust team that values partnerships over transactions.

If you want to turn a specialist research-services company into the default partner for every serious lab in the region, apply now. Send a short note on the one operational bottleneck you would fix first and why you’re the person to fix it.