Technical Specialist in Fungal Ecology

Internal & External Website; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardiff University is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Technician to join the fungal ecology group within the School of Biosciences. The role focuses on developing RNA interference‑based approaches to protect ash trees from ash dieback, combining plant pathology, molecular biology and environmental safety assessment.

Based in Cardiff, you will support laboratory and glasshouse experiments, work with a multidisciplinary team, and contribute to innovative biotechnology projects

Qualifications

• Experience with RNAi-based approaches in plant systems.
• Strong background in molecular biology and lab techniques.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and communicate findings.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support for laboratory and glasshouse experiments investigating RNAi uptake in ash trees.
• Assist on pathogen infection studies and molecular assays.
• Conduct environmental safety testing and data recording, ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Skills

RNA interference

Molecular biology

Laboratory techniques

Team collaboration

Job description

Job Advert

Technical Specialist in Fungal Ecology

School of Biosciences

Help develop innovative biotechnology to protect UK trees from emerging diseases

Cardiff University's School of Biosciences is seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Technician to join the fungal ecology research group in an exciting new research programme developing RNA interference (RNAi)-based approaches to protect ash trees from ash dieback disease. The project combines plant pathology, molecular biology, high-throughput screening, fungal ecology and environmental safety assessment.

Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, you will provide technical support for laboratory and glasshouse experiments investigating RNAi uptake in ash trees, pathogen infection processes, molecular assays and environmental safety testing. You will join a collaborative team developing cutting-edge solutions to one of the UK's most significant forest health challenges while gaining experience across molecular biology, plant pathology and environmental biotechnology.

Informal enquiries are welcomed and can be directed, in the first instance, to Sarah Christofides ([e-mail]).

The position is full time (35 hours per week) and is available immediately. This role is fixed term until 31st August, 2028.

Salary: £34,630 - £37,369 per annum (Grade 5). Please be aware that appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

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. We especially welcome and encourage applications from those from under-represented groups within the University workforce, such as those who identify as LGBT +, Ethnic Minority or those with disabilities.