Position Overview
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.
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