Senior TechnicianinCardiffinCardiffPUBLISHED SAT 22 MAR 2025

19343BR

School of Medicine

Technical

Advert

Senior Technician

Division of Cancer & Genetics

School of Medicine

College of Biomedical and Life Sciences

A Senior Technician position is available to provide comprehensive laboratory and some data quality control (QC) support to the Wales Gene Park (WGP) Genomics Facility. The Wales Gene Park is a Health and Care Research Wales funded facility based within the School of Medicine, Cardiff University.

The Wales Gene Park Genomics Facility offers Next-Generation Sequencing to generate genomic data to support many biomedical research projects across Wales. The role would suit a highly motivated individual with knowledge of, and interest in, genomic data production and QC. Experience of Illumina sequencing instruments would be desirable but not essential, as full training will be given.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a laboratory environment as a technician using molecular biology techniques and QC analysis of sequencing data, which might involve the use of Unix command lines. Good communication and ability to work on your own or as part of the team is essential.

This WGP post is situated in the Wales Genomic Health Centre at Cardiff Edge Business Park, Coryton.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 40 days annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays), pension scheme, a cycle to work scheme and other travel initiatives, annual increments within the pay scale, and more. It is an exciting and vibrant place to work, with many different challenges and is a proud Living Wage supporter.

For informal enquiries, please contact Shelley Rundle, Laboratory Manager – e-mail:

This post is full-time, fixed term until 31 March 2027 and available immediately.

Salary: £27,644 - £30,805 per annum (Grade 4). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Date advert posted: Wednesday, 19 March 2025

Closing date: Wednesday, 2 April 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To provide comprehensive technical laboratory and some data quality control (QC) assistance to the Wales Gene Park Genomics Facility. The Wales Gene Park provides Next-Generation Sequencing to researchers within Wales.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Duties

• Operate, maintain, service, adjust, test and repair complex equipment.
• Participate in the development, modification and construction of special equipment.
• Follow established guidelines, train colleagues in technical procedures and use of equipment.
• Set up experiments and research apparatus.
• Assist colleagues in the use of the equipment and assessing data QC.
• Take responsibility for stock levels, security, maintenance and cleanliness of materials, apparatus and equipment within work area and occasional QC of sequencing data.
• Record and perform detailed QC analysis on data, including responsibility for maintaining databases.
• Undertake reviews of technical processes and procedures, in collaboration with line management, and advise on options for improvement.
• Support the Wales Gene Park in the implementation of new procedures and systems.
  
  

General Duties

• Ensure that an understanding of the importance of confidentiality is applied when undertaking all duties.
• Abide by University policies on Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity.
• Perform other duties occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role.
  
  

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications And Education

• NVQ 3/A-Levels or equivalent qualification/work related experience
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

• Substantial experience of working as a technician.
• Specialist knowledge and experience of Molecular Biology Techniques, or related experience.
• Ability to set up and review standard technical processes and procedures and recommend improvements to the service provision as appropriate.
  
  

Customer Service, Communication and Team Working

• Ability to communicate specialist and complex information effectively and professionally to a range of customers with varying levels of understanding including sequencing QC results.
• Experience of supervising the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals.
• Ability to train technical staff in laboratory procedures and in the use of equipment.
• Evidence of ability to explore customers’ needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered.
  
  

Planning, Analysis and Problem Solving

• Evidence of ability to solve problems using initiative and creativity; identify and propose practical solutions and to resolve problems where there are a range of potential options available.
• Proven ability to work on own initiative, planning, organising and setting priorities for own work appropriately and to plan and manage small projects.
  
  

Desirable Criteria

• Degree or an equivalent qualification or equivalent work-related experience.
• Experience of working in a Higher Education environment.
• Fluenc