Technical Specialist
Division of Cancer and Genetics
School of Medicine
College of Biomedical and Life Sciences
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.
The successful candidate will contribute to the development of a novel molecular assay to detect pathogen-derived RNA in plasma samples collected during tuberculosis treatment. The role will involve the systematic processing and analysis of a large cohort of biobanked clinical samples, forming part of a rigorous assay optimisation and validation pipeline.
The postholder should have demonstrable experience in molecular biology techniques, with particular expertise in RNA extraction and downstream applications such as RT-qPCR. Experience working with low-abundance RNA from clinical biospecimens would be highly advantageous. The role requires excellent technical accuracy, meticulous record-keeping, and the ability to carry out complex laboratory workflows across large sample sets with consistency and attention to detail.
Applicants should hold a BSc in a biomedical science-related discipline (or possess equivalent industrial experience), with hands-on experience in the processing and analysis of clinical samples.
This position offers the opportunity to work within a collaborative translational research environment and to further develop expertise in RNA-based diagnostics, assay development, and the handling of clinically derived biospecimens.
This post will be based on the Heath Park campus.
Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (including bank holidays), local 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 Dr Isobella Honeyborne – e-mail:
[email protected]
This post is full-time (35 hours per week), fixed term until 31 December 2026 and available immediately.
Salary £33,951 to £36,636 per annum (Grade 5). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances
Closing date: Monday, 15 June 2026
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.