Senior Technician

Cardiff University / Prifysgol Caerdydd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution is seeking a Senior Technician to provide technical support in laboratories for research projects focusing on postpartum depression. The ideal candidate will manage laboratory operations, coordinate sample shipments, and maintain equipment while working closely with a multi-disciplinary team. Applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Qualifications

• Experience working as a technician in a laboratory.
• Ability to set up and review standard processes.
• Experience in communicating complex information.

Responsibilities

• Maintain operations of chemistry laboratories.
• Manage stores of consumables including stock audits.
• Coordinate sample shipments for external studies.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Equipment maintenance

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Education

NVQ 3/A-Levels or equivalent

Chemistry Degree (desirable)

Tools

HPLC systems

Chemical databases

Job description

Advert

Senior Technician

Medicines Discovery Institute (MDI)

School of Biosciences

The Medicines Discovery Institute (MDI) represents a major investment in translational science by Cardiff University. The goal of the Institute is to translate world-leading research on scientific understanding of disease mechanisms into innovative therapeutic approaches. Our vision is to play a leading role in discovering new medicines in areas of high unmet need, with a particular emphasis on neuroscience, mental health, and cancer. We have created a vibrant community of researchers across both academic and biotech sectors engaged in major research programmes which build off the unique strengths of Cardiff University and work collaboratively with other universities and companies across Wales and internationally.

The Medicines Discovery Institute is looking to recruit a Senior Technician to support the technical activities of a MRC funded project to develop selective allosteric modulators of extrasynaptic δ-GABAA receptors for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD). In particular, the successful candidate will support the daily activities of the team through maintaining the operations of the chemistry and biology laboratories. The post holder will manage the MDI stores, ensuring that stocks of regular consumables are maintained and support the ordering/receipting of specific chemicals and consumables. In addition, the suitable candidate will coordinate the shipment of samples to our collaborators for studies carried out outside Cardiff University.

The post will be based at Cardiff University and will be part of a multi-disciplinary drug discovery team.

For informal inquiries, please contact [e-mail] .

Secondment opportunity welcome - please note for Cardiff University members of staff interested in this post on a secondment basis, permission will need to be sought from your current Line Manager before applying.

This post is full-time and fixed-term until 31 October 2026.

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, 13 August 2025

Closing date: Wednesday, 20 August 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

To provide a comprehensive provision of technical support to the Medicines Discovery Institute and in particular,

• Maintain the operations of the chemistry laboratories
• Manage the stores/stocks of consumables including audit of stock reagents
• Coordinate the shipment of samples for external studies
  
  

Key Duties

• Following established guidelines train technical staff and students in technical procedures and in the use of equipment
• The candidate will be expected to manage the logistics of sample shipments to contract research organisations and external collaborators. This includes, but is not limited to, ensuring compliance with all necessary documentation for both domestic (UK) and international shipments—such as Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and commercial invoices—and coordinating closely with Cardiff University scientists to facilitate timely and accurate dispatch
• Set up experimental systems and research apparatus, assisting students and staff in the use and construction of equipment and apparatus and with tests and experiments
• Operate, maintain, service, adjust, test and repair complex chemistry equipment and apparatus such as HPLC and purification systems
• Participate in the development, modification and construction of special equipment and apparatus
• Take responsibility for stock levels, security, maintenance and cleanliness of materials, apparatus and equipment within work area
• Record and perform detailed analysis on data, including responsibility for maintaining chemical databases
• Undertake reviews of technical processes and procedures, in collaboration with line management, and advise on options for improvement.
• Support the department 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 which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role
  
  

Person Specification

IMPORTANT NOTE: When submitting your supporting statement, you must provide evidence as to how you meet each of the essential (and desirable if applicable) criteria below. We suggest that you do so by using each of the criteria as sub-headings, providing written evidence of your relevant skills underneath. Before uploading this attachment, please ensure that you include ****BR within the filename.

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 in a laboratory with specialist knowledge and experience of maintain, servicing and using appropriate equipment and apparatus
• 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 understating
• 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 and instruments.
• 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

• Chemistry Degree or an equivalent qualification
• Experience of working in a Higher Education environment or in an industrial Pharmaceutical environment
• Fluency in Welsh, written and oral
  
  

Salary Range Min.

27,644

Salary Range Max.

30,805

Job Category

Technical

Grade

Grade 4