Research Technician in Sheffield

We are seeking an experienced Research Technician to join a multi-disciplinary research team at the University of Sheffield. This position is part of a high-impact, international collaboration aimed to develop a pan-viral prophylactic therapy against respiratory viral infections. This job is part of an Advanced Research + Invention Agency-funded project. Traditional vaccines often struggle to keep pace with evolving viral variants. This project takes a novel approach by focusing on priming broader antiviral immunity. We strive to understand and program innate immunity within the nasal epithelium to develop a more durable and broad-spectrum intervention against infection and transmission.

As the successful candidate, you will support multiple laboratory experiments, which will include cell culture, viral and molecular assays. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work on groundbreaking research which could lead to transformative approaches to preventing respiratory viral infections. You will work within a supportive, world-class research environment, collaborating closely with partners in the USA and the Netherlands to translate fundamental biological insights into potential new therapeutics.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Work within a team to support laboratory work to achieve project milestones.
• Design and conduct experiments within the laboratory which will include cell models, controlled viral infections, immunology and sequencing based assays.
• Learn new laboratory techniques where necessary.
• Use own technical expertise and knowledge to advise on experimental methods, techniques and troubleshooting.
• Analyse, record and interpret data to aid the design of future experiments.
• Prepare and present data at group and departmental scientific meetings.
• Work collaboratively with local and international team members to help set-up assays and ensure consistent laboratory practice between sites.
• Assist in the day-to-day running of the laboratory by maintaining stocks, purchasing consumables and overseeing equipment status as required.
• Support compliance with Health & Safety regulations, COSHH, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Read relevant literature and attend meetings to keep up to date with developments in the subject area.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification:

• Hold a BSc (or equivalent) and have a portfolio of laboratory research experience.
• Strong background knowledge of immunology and/or virology.
• Experience of cell culture.
• Experience of working with RNA and/or DNA (e.g., PCR, library preparation).
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and independently initiate troubleshooting of laboratory assays.
• Ability to work in a high-pressure laboratory environment and complete tasks in an independent and timely manner.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to adhere to research protocols, maintain study deadlines and keep meticulous records of experiments undertaken.
• Excellent organisation skills and ability to plan and progress work activities.
• Experience of working with air-liquid interface culture. (Desirable)
• Experience of viral culture. (Desirable)
• Experience of flow cytometry. (Desirable)

Further Information:

• Grade: G5.1 - G5.5
• Salary: £27,319 - £30,378 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Duration: 01-AUG-2026 to 31-JUL-2030
• Line manager: Principal Investigator
• Direct reports: N/A

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.
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes.
• 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. 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.