Technician (Molecular Assay Development)

The post holder will play a key role in supporting the Molecular Assay Development team through the preparation, execution, and documentation of laboratory experiments. This laboratory-based position contributes to the smooth running of daily operations, ensuring accurate and timely completion of experimental and quality tasks in accordance with established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

The role involves assisting with instrument setup, assay validation, and routine testing, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with laboratory quality and safety standards. The job holder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary scientific team, gaining experience in regulated molecular biology workflows, including handling instruments and reagents used in diagnostic assay development.

This position provides an excellent opportunity to develop strong technical and teamwork skills, understand the link between laboratory work and product development, and contribute to innovative research within an industry-based molecular diagnostics environment. The role involves a combination of routine and project-based tasks requiring precision, consistency, and a proactive approach.

• First point of contact for the receipt and initial processing of specimen deliveries, including the handling of blood tubes, taking measurements/centrifugation.
• Responsible for the accurate recording and tracking of patient information onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for all samples, in accordance with company and regulatory (e.g. confidentiality) requirements.
• Hands-on laboratory work, performing routine instrument maintenance and regular lab techniques: preparing and processing blood samples using the Parsortix instrument, DNA/RNA extraction, digital PCR, assisting with library preparation for NGS, assay and instrument set-up.
• Contribute to data collection and recording according to CelLBxHealth quality regulations.
• With supervision and support, involved in data processing, analysis and reporting.
• Provide technical support to other members of the team in various programmes and projects.
• Responsible for quality and regulatory compliance of work undertaken.
• Contribute to running of laboratory facilities, including receiving and unpacking deliveries, and adequate storing of them, formulating buffers and maintaining laboratory consumables as required.
• Perform venepuncture and associated blood draw activities for healthy volunteer donors, ensuring accurate specimen labelling, documentation, and chain of custody, and coordinating donor appointments in line with approved ethical procedures; where phlebotomy competency is not already held, undertake phlebotomy training to achieve and maintain this competency in accordance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Responsible for maintenance of instruments and the cleaning of equipment and bench areas.
• Active stock control.
• Conducting monthly health and safety checks.
• Support all aspects of laboratory management in a variety of tasks both in and out of the lab. as and when required by line manager.
• Undertake additional ad-hoc tasks as required.

• Degree in Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or related discipline.
• Prepared to work towards a Phlebotomy certification.
• >1 year experience in molecular biology laboratory roles, preferably supporting clinical or research assay development projects.
• Hands-on experience with sample preparation, PCR, or related molecular techniques within a diagnostic or regulated laboratory setting advantageous.
• Practical experience with molecular assay instrumentation and routine laboratory maintenance activities.
• Understanding of molecular biology laboratory techniques including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, digital PCR, and next-generation sequencing workflows.
• Familiarity with clinical sample types and handling requirements, ensuring sample integrity for sensitive molecular assays.
• Awareness of laboratory data management practices, including accurate documentation and traceability within regulated environments.
• Working knowledge of laboratory instrumentation commonly used in molecular workflows, including troubleshooting and preventive maintenance principles.
• Understanding of assay quality control methods and the importance of compliance with laboratory best practices.
• Awareness of clinical requirements for sample processing under the ISO 15189 standard.
• Proficient in performing routine molecular assay procedures, supporting assay setup, execution, and quality checks.
• Skilled in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting molecular biology instruments and equipment to ensure optimal assay performance.
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on the accuracy of sample processing, data recording, and adherence to protocols.
• Capable of managing laboratory inventory efficiently, including reagents and consumables, to support uninterrupted workflow.
• Effective communicator, able to collaborate with scientists and laboratory staff in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proactive in identifying and escalating technical issues promptly to minimise assay interruptions.
• Competent in using laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for sample tracking and data entry.
• Documentation of chain of custody and sample receipt under clinical governance.
• An eye for detail and commitment to high quality data
• A flexible, can-do approach to the requirements of the job

Due to the nature of the role, our requirement is for this position to be Guildford based, office hours, five days per week. As a member of our highly skilled team you will receive opportunities for training and development and a competitive benefits package.

Please let us know if you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process so that we can work with you to meet your needs.

Furthermore, please be advised that if you submit an application to us for this position, your application and personal details will be processed in accordance with our Data Privacy Notice for Job Candidates.