Senior Technician Division of Cancer & Genetics School of Medicine College of Biomedical and Life Sciences A Senior Technician position is available to provide comprehensive laboratory and data quality control (QC) support to the Wales Gene Park Genomics Facility. The Wales Gene Park is a Health and Care Research Wales funded facility based within the School of Medicine, Cardiff University. The Wales Gene Park Genomics Facility offers Next-Generation Sequencing to generate genomic data to support many biomedical research projects across Wales. The role would suit a highly motivated individual with knowledge of, and interest in, genomic data production and QC, using the Unix command line. Experience of Illumina sequencing instruments would be desirable but not essential, as full training will be given. The successful candidate will have experience of working in a laboratory environment as a technician using molecular biology techniques and QC analysis of sequencing data using Unix command lines. Good communication and ability to work on your own or as part of the team is essential. This post is currently based on the Heath Park campus but will be moving to the Cardiff Edge Business Park, Coryton in the near future. Cardiff University offers many excellent benefits, including 45 days annual leave pro rata (including bank holidays), 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 Shelley Rundle, Laboratory Manager – e-mail: idziaszczyksa1cardiff.ac.uk. This post is full-time, fixed term until 31 March 2027 and available immediately. Salary: £27,344 - £30,505 per annum (Grade 4). Appointments to roles at Cardiff University are usually made at bottom of scale unless in exceptional circumstances. Closing date: 24 November 2024 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 Purpose To provide comprehensive technical laboratory and data Quality Control (QC) support to the Wales Gene Park Genomics Facility. The Wales Gene Park provides Next-Generation Sequencing to researchers within Wales. Duties and Responsibilities Key Duties • Following established guidelines train technical staff and students in technical procedures, the use of equipment and data QC analysis • Set up experiments and research apparatus, assist students and staff in the use of the equipment and be familiar with the Unix command line so that data quality can be assessed • Operate, maintain, service, adjust, test and repair complex equipment and apparatus • 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 as well as QC of the data produced using software run from the Unix command line • Record and perform detailed QC analysis on data, including responsibility for maintaining 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 occasionally which are not included above, but which will be consistent with the role How we will support you in performing in this role - There are some things that you must have before you can start this role (see ‘Essential Criteria’), but other things can be developed either through training, or just by general on-the-job experience. We want to support and develop you once you have started in the role using a combination of the following to get the best out of you: 1. Regular one-to-ones with your manager 2. An experienced and supportive team around you 3. Supporting you through job-relevant training and development that you may require 4. A mentoring scheme IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria It is 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, where relevant, the desirable. 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, 19343BR. 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. Essential Criteria Qualifications and Education 1. NVQ 3/A-Levels or equivalent qualification/work related experience Knowledge, Skills and Experience 2. Substantial experience of working as a technician 3. Specialist knowledge and experience of Molecular Biology Techniques, quality control analysis of Next-Generation Sequencing data using Unix command lines 4. 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 5. Ability to communicate specialist and complex information effectively and professionally to a range of customers with varying levels of understanding including sequencing QC results 6. Experience of supervising the work of others to focus team efforts and motivate individuals 7. Ability to train technical staff in laboratory procedures and in the use of equipment and instruments 8. Evidence of ability to explore customers’ needs and adapt the service accordingly to ensure a quality service is delivered Planning, Analysis and Problem Solving 9. 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 10. 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 1. Degree or an equivalent qualification or equivalent work-related experience 2. Experience of working in a Higher Education environment 3. Fluency in Welsh, written and oral 4. Experience of Illumina sequencing instruments