At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the planning, design, and maintenance of specialist equipment for groundbreaking research.
- Company: Join a leading university with a commitment to excellence in technical support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with hands-on experience in labs and fieldwork, plus a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of innovative projects that make a real difference in engineering research.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent, with a passion for learning and safety.
The predicted salary is between 25249 - 28778 € per year.
As a Support Technician, you will be a member of the School's technical community. Ideally, you should have foundation and early career experience across a range of engineering disciplines as the role is multidisciplinary. The aptitude to learn and be adaptable is key for this position. This role will see you assist in the planning, design, manufacture and maintenance of a range of specialist equipment to support internationally recognised research activities. We expect staff to adopt high working standards to ensure the Schools technical team continues to be recognised for its service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Assist in the training, set-up, calibration, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Assist Senior Technical staff in the daily running of the Laboratories to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.
- Assist in the manufacture and construction of experimental test apparatus/equipment, using a wide range of laboratory and engineering skills in both workshops and laboratories.
- Assist researchers and students to carry out experimental testing across a range of civil and structural engineering materials and collect test data when required.
- Store and handle data in line with legislation complying with ethical codes of conduct.
- Provide a high standard of customer service.
- Make suggestions for service improvement.
- Maintain and monitor test specimens and conditioning environments.
- Ensure risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures for equipment are in place and current.
- Thoroughly carry out any additional H&S responsibilities delegated to you by your line manager, understanding and completing technical documentation to ensure compliance.
- Assist with providing technical support for fieldwork projects. This may include installing field/site monitoring equipment, instrumentation and data logging systems. Note - this work will be under the supervision of a senior technician or researcher and involve travel to field sites, the work may occasionally require working outside normal hours and stays in overnight accommodation.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Experience equivalent to minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
- Demonstrable vocational skills and experience inline with the job description.
- Use IT applications and other relevant technology and systems.
- Work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines.
- Ability to communicate technical information, both written and verbal.
- Foundation knowledge of safe working practices and Health and Safety in laboratory/workshop environments.
Desirable Criteria
- Foundation Mechanical engineering workshop skills – machining, fitting, use of standard workshop equipment, techniques and precision measuring instruments.
- Some experience of working within a technical support environment.
- Working towards professional registration (e.g. RSciTech, EngTech or ICTTech).
- Be solution focused, with a positive 'can do' attitude.
Further Information
- Grade: 4
- Salary: £25,249 – £28,778
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Line manager: Technical Manager
- Direct reports: N/A
- Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mac
- For informal enquiries about this job contact Phillip Pickstock, School Technical Manager – phillip.pickstock@sheffield.ac.uk
- We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.
- Closing date: 15/06/2026
Support Technician: Geotechnical in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
As a Support Technician at our esteemed institution, you will be part of a vibrant technical community dedicated to excellence in research and education. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities, alongside a commitment to health and safety. Located in a dynamic academic environment, you will have the chance to contribute to groundbreaking projects while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and innovative workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Technician: Geotechnical in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees in similar roles, especially those at the School. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can talk confidently about your experience with laboratory equipment and safety practices. We want to see that you're ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past roles. We love candidates who can think on their feet and come up with solutions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our service excellence.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Technician: Geotechnical in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the Support Technician role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your technical skills! Whether it's your experience with laboratory equipment or engineering techniques, let us know how you can contribute to our multidisciplinary team.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make your application easy to read by keeping it concise and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and ensure your passion for the role shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, we love seeing applications come in directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Brush up on your technical knowledge related to geotechnical engineering and laboratory equipment. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tools and techniques, as well as any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show that you’re not just a good fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the field.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Since the role requires a multidisciplinary approach, be prepared to share examples of how you've adapted to new challenges in previous roles. Highlight instances where you learned new skills quickly or took on tasks outside your usual responsibilities. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to laboratory and workshop environments. Be ready to discuss how you’ve ensured safety in past experiences, and don’t hesitate to suggest improvements based on your understanding of best practices. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high working standards.
✨Customer Service Mindset
As a Support Technician, providing excellent customer service is key. Think of examples where you’ve gone above and beyond to assist colleagues or clients. Emphasise your solution-focused attitude and willingness to help others, which aligns perfectly with the expectations of the role.