Overview
The School of Biosciences is looking for a talented technician position to work in the support of practical teaching in the Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Laboratories. The breadth of activity in the School includes fieldwork, plant biology, ecology, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry and microbiology.
We are seeking an individual with specialism in the area of molecular biology to work with our team leader (the Technical Specialist: Education) and academics to ensure excellent teaching support in semester, and strong teaching development activity and training out of semester. The successful candidates will supervise a small team for daily activities, working towards a strategy of a multidisciplinary team that fulfils the needs of the whole school, cultivating individual specialism and talent.
Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a biological sciences subject (or equivalent experience) along with well-developed knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology (including biochemistry, microbiology, genetics). Experience of providing technical support for large-group laboratory teaching at BSc or MSc level is also essential.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Provide specialist technical support in UG and PGT laboratory teaching for the Biochemistry and molecular biology programmes, including: coordinating the timely preparation of reagents/materials; planning and resource allocation; ensuring spaces and equipment are fit for use and suitably prepared for all users including open days and wider faculty use.
- Act as the main point of contact for the technical team and academic enquiries in your area.
- Liaise with academic staff to establish timetables and session requirements, ensure the smooth running of the practical classes, and identify any areas for session improvement.
- Carry out experimental work as required for the development or refinement of practicals.
- Line manage a small team of technicians within your specialist area, including delegating tasks, managing workloads, monitoring performance and undertaking annual reviews.
- Provide training for the technical team in specialist techniques, equipment and teaching support work. Also provide detailed coaching/instruction on equipment to staff/students.
- Be responsible for health and safety of the work area, including creating, amending and revising documentation to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Take responsibility for specialist equipment and instrumentation, arranging timely servicing and maintenance in collaboration with the Technical Operations Team.
- Manage IT requirements for practical teaching, ensuring software availability and maintaining online resources. Review periodically with academic staff.
- Take delegated responsibility for budgets, and work with the Technical Specialist: Education to plan and prioritise spending.
- Collaborate with the Technical Specialist: Education and the other team leaders to share best practice, progress work, align practices and allocate the team and resources.
- Under the guidance of the Technical Specialist: Education, create and maintain records/documents to underpin a robust support service and ensure business continuity.
- Attend meetings to represent your operational activities and contribute to planning.
- Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish.
- As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework.
- 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.
- 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 bachelor's degree in a biological sciences subject, or equivalent experience.
Well-developed knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology (including biochemistry, microbiology, genetics).
Experience of providing technical support for large-group laboratory teaching at BSc or MSc level.
Apply relevant approaches and techniques for the demonstration and training of relevant techniques, appropriate to meet the needs of the audience.
Extensive experience of providing an effective and efficient technical support service, that includes planning and prioritising workload.
Understand and comply with relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations.
Understand the importance of delivering excellent customer service to customers and colleagues, including identifying needs and responding appropriately in line with situation and organisational style/culture.
Proven ability to create and maintain records/documents/systems, with excellent attention to detail.
Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff, to identify and understand their needs, understanding the importance of excellent customer service.
Technical Professional Registration or willingness to work towards it.
IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification.
Experience of managing others, including delegating tasks, managing workloads, ensuring competency and supporting development.
Further Information
£32,080 – £36,636 per annum, pro rata
Part-time (17.5 hours per week)
Fixed-term from 29 June 2026 for a period of 12 months
Technician (Grade 5) and Support Technician (Grade 4)
For informal enquiries about this job contact Melanie Stapleton (Technical Specialist) at [email protected]
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. The selection process will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please 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.
