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Research Technician

UK Dementia Research Institute, Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, College of Biomedical and Life Sciences.

Applications are invited for a Research Technician position in Neuroinflammation/Complement Biology in the UK DRI at Cardiff University School of Medicine, based at the Heath Park campus.

The appointee will join a programme of research supported by Race Against Dementia Alzheimer’s Research UK that explores the role of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The work focuses on the roles of the complement system, a known driver of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, and the development and testing of novel brain-penetrant complement‑blocking drugs in vitro and in vivo for their ability to inhibit the complement system, penetrate the brain, and impact disease pathology and progression. The ultimate aim is to develop brain‑penetrant therapies to modulate complement dysregulation in AD that can be progressed to human trials.

Launched in 2017, the UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) stands as a beacon of scientific innovation, representing an unprecedented £300 million investment in dementia research—the largest of its kind in UK history. The purpose of the UK DRI is to transform the outlook for people living with or at risk of neurodegenerative conditions.

Candidates with experience in supporting similar laboratory research are encouraged to apply.

Informal inquiries should be made to Dr. Wioleta Zelek (zelekw@cardiff.ac.uk).

Division: http://medicine.cf.ac.uk/infect-immun/

UK DRI Cardiff: https://ukdri.ac.uk/centres/cardiff

The post is full time (35 hours per week), available immediately and fixed term until 31 Dec 2026.

Salary: £33,951 - £36,636 per annum (Grade 5). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at the bottom of the scale unless in exceptional circumstances.

Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave (incl 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.

Support the University within translational neuroimmunology, carrying out experimental work, including in vivo studies and in vitro testing; contributing to the optimisation and validation of novel complement therapeutics and diagnostics carrying out supporting work, providing advice, guidance and support, and leading projects within this area.

Key Duties

• Provide professional advice and guidance on preclinical translational research, including in vivo testing, immunoassay development, and complement drug validation processes and procedures to internal and external customers, using judgement and creativity to suggest the most appropriate course of action where appropriate and ensuring complex and conceptual issues are understood.
• Investigate and analyse specific issues within complement drugs and diagnostic development, creating recommendation reports, supported by advances within translational neuroimmunology.
• Ensure that the provision of the translational research and technical support function, including in vivo and in vitro assay work, is delivered to the institution, proactively changing the delivery according to customer requirements.
• Collaborate with others to make recommendations for developments of established processes and procedures.
• Establish working relationships with key contacts, developing appropriate communication links with the University’s Schools/Directorates and outside bodies as required.
• Create specific working groups from colleagues across the University to achieve UK DRI, MEDIC objectives.
• Supervise specific project teams on an occasional basis to accomplish key objectives.
• Develop and deliver training within in vivo techniques, complement assays, and laboratory methods supporting translational research.
• Undertake a variety of administrative duties to support the department.
• Instruct and guide other employees across the University within the translational neuroimmunology and diagnostics function as required.

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 occasionally which are not included above, but will be consistent with the role.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

• Degree / NVQ 4 or equivalent professional membership/experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Substantial experience working within complement system, bioinformatics, neuroimmunology or neurodegeneration.
• Able to demonstrate professional knowledge within the specialist discipline to give advice and guidance to internal and external customers.
• Ability to set up standard office systems and procedures and make improvements as appropriate.

Customer Service, Communication and Team Working

• Ability to communicate conceptually detailed and complex information effectively and professionally with a wide range of people.
• 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 expansive problems using initiative and creativity; identifying and proposing practical solutions and resolving problems with range of potential outcomes.
• Evidence of demonstrable knowledge of key advances within the specialist discipline.
• Evidence of ability to work unsupervised to deadlines, planning and setting priorities for own work and that of others and monitoring progress.

Other

• A willingness to undertake further training and development.

Desirable Criteria

• Postgraduate or professional qualification.
• Experience of working in a Higher Education environment.
• Fluency in Welsh, written and oral.

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

The School of Medicine’s policy to use the person specification as a key tool for short‑listing. Candidates should evidence that they meet ALL of the essential criteria as well as relevant desirable criteria. As part of the application process you will be asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure when submitting this document / attaching it to your application profile you name it with the vacancy reference number, in this instance for this post, 20959BR. If candidates do not provide written evidence of meeting all of the essential criteria then their application will not be progressed. The School of Medicine welcome the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job‑based criteria.

Salary Range Min. 33,951

Salary Range Max. 36,636

Job Category Medical & Dental, Technical

Grade Grade 5

Date advert posted: Friday, 14 November 2025

Closing date: Friday, 28 November 2025

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We 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. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favorably than an application submitted in English.