Overview
The School of Biosciences is looking to recruit a talented technician who will strengthen our skill base 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, physiology, neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry and microbiology.
We are seeking individuals to work within our diverse team of technicians, to ensure excellent practical teaching support across the School. The role will primarily support the School’s biomedical sciences programmes, but you will also assist with other practical teaching support across the School. The role involves all aspects of laboratory operations including sample preparation, laboratory set‑up, equipment maintenance, housekeeping, record keeping and health and safety activities.
Applicants must have a minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or equivalent vocational experience along with skills and experience in the following areas: media, buffer and solution preparation; DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis; microscopy; cell culture; model organisms and developmental biology; pharmacology; physiology.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Prepare and aliquot materials for laboratory classes or other teaching activities as required, including media, solutions and buffers; yeast and bacterial cultures; mammalian cell culture; model organisms; DNA, RNA and plasmids; electrophoresis gels; cell extracts; proteins and enzymes; plants; invertebrates; field equipment; first aid supplies.
- Carry out the set‑up, clear‑away and re‑storage of reagents and equipment for classes, open days and any other teaching lab use; includes maintenance and calibration of equipment, waste handling and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and order in the laboratories.
- Liaise with other members of the technical team to determine equipment, materials, IT and any other resource requirements across the teaching labs, and ensure everything is prepared in a timely manner; includes stock checking, ordering, planning, inventorying and appropriate storage of materials.
- Prioritise own work to meet deadlines and appropriate standards, and assist senior staff in planning for future work.
- Train and supervise junior members of staff in procedures, techniques and instrumentation.
- Maintain information, records, databases and documentation, to ensure accuracy, efficiency and business continuity.
- Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols, ensuring correct procedures are followed at all times.
- Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and can flourish professionally or academically.
- As a member of our professional staff, you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Technical and Professional Services Shared Skills framework.
- 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
- Minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or equivalent vocational experience – Essential.
- Skills and experience in media, buffer and solution preparation; DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis; microscopy; cell culture; model organisms and developmental biology; pharmacology; physiology – Essential.
- Skills and experience in microbial culture and sterile technique; protein handling and cell extract preparation; plant and invertebrate husbandry; ecology; fieldwork – Desirable.
- Experience of providing laboratory technical support – Desirable.
- Understanding and application of Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices – Essential.
- Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff to identify and understand their needs – Essential.
- Understanding of how to follow correct procedures and instructions to meet compliance with statutory regulations – Essential.
- Ability to identify problems and follow suitable escalation routes – Essential.
- Adaptability to the demands of the role and changes in workflow, planning and organising routine tasks – Essential.
- Ability and willingness to engage in relevant training – Essential.
- Technical Professional Registration or willingness to work towards it – Essential.
Further Information
- Grade: 4
- Salary: £25,249 – £26,707 per annum, with the potential to progress to £28,778 through sustained exceptional contribution.
- Work arrangement: Full‑time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: Open ended, available immediately
- Line manager: Senior Technician – Education
- Direct reports: None
- Website: School of Biosciences – https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/biosciences
- Contact for enquiries: Melanie Hannah (School Technical Manager) – m.hannah@sheffield.ac.uk
- Closing Date: 06/08/2026
Next steps in the recruitment process
The selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to inform candidates of progression to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable participation in the recruitment process, please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk.
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holidays 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, dining and travel.
- Staff networks providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
- A commitment to development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Technical and Professional Services Shared Skills Framework / 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.
Disability Confidence
We are a Disability Confident Leader. 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.
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