At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop a cutting-edge diagnostic assay for tuberculosis detection using innovative molecular techniques.
- Company: Join Cardiff University’s dynamic Tissue Microenvironment Group focused on impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 45 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and inclusivity in our team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare by working on groundbreaking tuberculosis diagnostics.
- Qualifications: BSc in biomedical science or equivalent experience with skills in RNA extraction and analysis.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 36636 £ per year.
We are recruiting a highly motivated Technical Specialist to join Dr Isobella Honeyborne’s team within the Tissue Microenvironment Group, Division of Cancer & Genetics. This post is funded through the Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) and Research Wales Innovation Fund (RWIF), and will support the laboratory‑based development of a blood‑based diagnostic for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Responsibilities
- Develop a novel molecular assay to detect pathogen‑derived RNA in plasma samples collected during tuberculosis treatment.
- Systematically process and analyse a large cohort of biobanked clinical samples as part of a rigorous assay optimisation and validation pipeline.
- Maintain excellent technical accuracy, meticulous record‑keeping, and carry out complex laboratory workflows across large sample sets with consistency and attention to detail.
Qualifications
- BSc in a biomedical science‑related discipline or equivalent industrial experience with hands‑on experience in processing and analysing clinical samples.
- Demonstrable experience in molecular biology techniques, particularly in RNA extraction and downstream applications such as RT‑qPCR.
- Experience working with low‑abundance RNA from clinical biospecimens is highly advantageous.
Benefits and Working Conditions
- Full‑time (35 hours per week), fixed‑term until 31 December 2026, available immediately.
- Salary £33,951 to £36,636 per annum (Grade 5).
- Based at Heath Park campus.
- Benefits include 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), local pension scheme, cycle‑to‑work scheme, other travel initiatives, annual pay‑scale increments, and more.
- Living Wage supporter.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. Applicants from all sections of the community are welcomed, regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. Flexible working or job share arrangements may be considered.
Closing Date Monday, 15 June 2026
Contact For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Isobella Honeyborne – e‑mail: honeybornei@cardiff.ac.uk
Applications Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Technical Specialist in Cardiff employer: Internal & External Website
Cardiff University offers an exceptional working environment for a Technical Specialist, with a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive local pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a cutting-edge research setting focused on impactful health solutions. The Heath Park campus fosters a collaborative culture, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful contributions to the field of biomedical science.
Contact Details:
Internal & External Website Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Specialist in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those connected to Dr Isobella Honeyborne’s team. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques, don’t be shy about it. Bring examples of your work to interviews or even share relevant projects on platforms like LinkedIn.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your knowledge of RNA extraction and RT-qPCR. We want you to feel confident when discussing your expertise during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Specialist in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Technical Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in molecular biology techniques and any hands-on work with clinical samples. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about developing diagnostics for tuberculosis and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires meticulous record-keeping and technical accuracy, make sure to mention specific examples where you've demonstrated these skills in your previous work. We love seeing candidates who take pride in their work!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Internal & External Website
✨Know Your Molecular Biology
Brush up on your molecular biology techniques, especially RNA extraction and RT-qPCR. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with these methods, as they are crucial for the role. We recommend preparing specific examples of how you've successfully applied these techniques in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since the role requires meticulous record-keeping and consistency in laboratory workflows, think of instances where your attention to detail made a difference. We suggest preparing to share stories that highlight your ability to maintain accuracy while processing large sample sets.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Tuberculosis Research
Understanding the context of tuberculosis diagnostics will give you an edge. We encourage you to read up on recent advancements in blood-based diagnostics and be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to developing a novel molecular assay.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team’s current projects or the lab's approach to assay optimisation. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you. We believe that asking the right questions can set you apart from other candidates.
