Senior Laboratory Technician (GLAD)

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About us:

The post will be based in the KCL Social, Genetic, and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN).

The Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry (SGDP) Centre is uncovering the genetic and environmental influences on mental health and psychiatric disorders. Our research encompasses behavioural genetics, molecular genetics, experimental psychology and psychiatry, and neuroimaging. Scientists at the SGDP lead some of the UK's foremost longitudinal cohort and twin studies including TEDS, eRISK, Dunedin, IMAGEN and GLAD.

The NIHR BioResource Centre Maudsley leads the NIHR BioResource for Mental Health. We focus on recruiting participants experiencing mental health conditions, as well as healthy people.

Alongside GLAD MHG and The GLAD study, Prof. Breen's team boasts an accomplished portfolio of clinical and genetic studies which aim to improve treatment and outcomes for those affected by anxiety, depression, eating disorders and other mental health conditions.

About the role:

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Senior Laboratory Technician to support the large-scale biobanking of blood samples for the Genetic Links to Anxiety and Depression (GLAD) Study Mental Health Goals (MHG) OMICs Programme. This project represents the largest multiomics programme for severe depression worldwide, designed to accelerate discovery in psychiatric genomics and to provide a long-term resource for the research community.

This position provides an exciting opportunity to work in a cross-disciplinary environment, applying cutting-edge biobanking and genomic technologies to mental health research. The role will centre on the receipt, processing, and storage of thousands of blood samples, ensuring accurate sample tracking and data linkage within our ISO17025-accredited pipelines. The postholder will also support semi-automated sample processing, DNA extraction, and preparation of material for downstream genomic assays including Illumina genotyping and Oxford Nanopore sequencing.

Working closely with a multidisciplinary team of laboratory scientists, bioinformaticians, and study coordinators, the postholder will ensure the highest quality of biobanking and data integrity. Responsibilities will include contributing to laboratory reports, maintaining detailed records, and supporting quality assurance processes.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to flagship mental health genetics studies, helping to create a resource that will underpin psychiatric and population health research for years to come.

This is a full time post (35 hours per week), and you will be offered a fixed term contract for 2 years with the possibility to extend. Earliest start date is the 1st of April 2026.

About you:

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience:

Essential criteria

1. BSc and/or MSc in a relevant subject and/or sufficient relevant experience.
2. Good knowledge of DNA/RNA and blood processing techniques
3. Good knowledge of high throughput DNA sequencing and genotyping technologies
4. Clear spoken and written communication skills, with proficient computer use and strong interpersonal and influencing/behavioural skills.
5. Good knowledge of molecular biology and molecular genetics
6. Previous experience of work in a Research Laboratory
7. Experience with we-lab molecular genetic methods
8. Developed ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently, manage own workload, pattern of work and resources

Desirable criteria

1. Experience with genomic data on Linux and R
2. Experience with LIMS
3. Experienced in following compliance procedures with relevant regulations governing the service, completing risk assessments to inform actions and ensure a safe and environmentally sustainable workplace.
4. Knowledge of environmental impacts of laboratory work and an interest in reducing the negative impacts.

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the page. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Further information:

We ask all candidates to submit a copy of their CV, and a supporting statement, detailing how they meet the essential criteria listed in the advert. If we receive a strong field of candidates, we may use the desirable criteria to choose our final shortlist, so please include your evidence against these where possible.

To find out how our managers will review your application, please take a look at our 'How we Recruit' pages.