Overview
We are seeking a skilled and independent technician to support research on an exciting new project, part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project, subject to contract negotiations. Based in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, you will contribute to the success of the research across multiple labs, joining a vibrant and established technical team within the School. The laboratories cover a wide range of processes, techniques and instrumentation, including protein processing and characterisation, inorganic materials synthesis and sintering, and sample preparation.
You will work with staff and students at all levels, preparing and implementing health and safety documentation and processes, provide training in the labs, and assist with sample preparation. You will also have responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the labs, and contribute to the wider culture of safe and ethical working practices within the School.
Main duties and responsibilities
Provide technical support to facilities as appropriate and in liaison with the Project Lead, ensuring all tasks are completed to a high standard.
Provide specialist instrumentation support, including training, operation, running samples, demonstrating, and troubleshooting.
Applied knowledge and understanding of at least one area of the research project: protein handling, ceramic synthesis, or similar.
Record and analyse research data and present findings accurately.
Plan and organise routine work, and be responsive to non-routine work
Carry out training for staff and students to safely operate more complex and specialised equipment, for example handling cryogenic materials.
Participation in regular reviews of Research team activity within the Technical Operations team to analyse instrument use records, and propose improvements to services.
Knowledge of the local safety requirements including training records and maintaining competency.
Follow standard operating procedures, relating to induction and training for all users and instruments and ensure records of these are kept.
Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols ensuring procedures are followed at all times
Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and can flourish professionally or academically.
As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
A good honours degree or Higher National Diploma (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific field.
Experience working within chemical laboratories
Experience of providing an effective and efficient technical support service.
Experience of training staff and students at all levels, including troubleshooting and data analysis.
Detailed awareness of and full commitment to relevant Health & Safety regulations and processes. Responsibility for or extensive involvement in designated Health & Safety processes (e.g. risk assessments, CoSHH).
A high standard of communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate to academic, research and technical staff at all levels within the organisation, report writing skills and experience of delivering presentations.
Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to enquiries.
Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and to advise others, with an appreciation of longer-term implications.
Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities independently and in a timely manner with high quality output.
Technical Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it.
Further Information
£32,080 – £35,608 per annum
End date 29th Feb 2028, with the possibility to extend to 31st Aug 2029 subject to review)
If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Rebecca Boston, Project Lead: on r.boston@sheffield.ac.uk or on 0114 222 5496
Next steps in the recruitment process
The selection process will take place after the closing date. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage two weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact
[email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes: Technical Career Route
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
