At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in planning and executing research experiments while maintaining specialist equipment.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield, a world-class institution with a diverse community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive leave, flexible working, generous pensions, and retail discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career growth and commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Ordinary or Higher National Diploma in a relevant field; experience in technical support is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 29588 £ per year.
The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do.
Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.
We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
As a Technician you will work as an integral member of the School's existing technical team.
Reporting to Professor Sergio Rutella, you will assist in the planning, design, and execution of a range of experimental procedures in addition to the maintenance of a range of specialist equipment to support research activities.
You will provide technical expertise to research projects led by Professor Rutella, alongside administration duties such as record keeping and ordering consumables.
You will adopt high working standards to ensure the Division's technical team continues to be recognised for its service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Perform research experiments as required. Support the daily running of Professor Rutella's laboratory to ensure continued safe and reliable service excellence.
• Specific roles & responsibilities
- Present data and results to Professor Rutella's research group and wider audiences as required.
- Perform general laboratory maintenance, including ordering, routine maintenance of equipment, consumables, stocks, etc.
- Maintain comprehensive, accurate and tidy records of research work, cell line usage etc.
- Maintain lab databases, including Co SHH, stocks, etc.
- Provide a high-quality, detailed and effective technical service.
Liaise with Professor Rutella regarding potential work, provide guidance, and carry out experimental procedures.
Where required provide cost estimates and timescales for work and work materials.
- Provide technical advice and training/demonstrations in the use of specialised equipment to staff, students, and visitors, ensuring that Health and Safety is maintained throughout.
- Contribute as part of larger, Division-wide collaborative projects Professor Rutella is involved with to support the achievement of project objectives.
- Plan experimental tasks up to 3 weeks ahead, although advance planning may vary from 1 week - 3 months ahead depending on the research programme and scale.
- Provide a high standard of customer service to staff, students, and visitors. Make suggestions for improving service and refer customers to senior colleagues as appropriate.
- Use, monitor and maintain a range of general and specialist technical equipment to meet the needs of the Division with regard to teaching and experimental work, ensuring minimum impact is caused by faulty equipment.
Be involved in the development, testing and construction of new equipment and/or techniques.
This involves installing, monitoring and maintaining technical equipment and systems.
- Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations.
Provide safety information to staff and students.
Carry out and document risk assessments on student and staff activities, maintain training records and liaise with the Division Safety Officer to ensure compliance with legislation and University policies.
- Work collaboratively across School of Medicine & Population Health divisions, providing support, advice and guidance when required.
- 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.
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.
- An Ordinary or Higher National Diploma in a relevant scientific field (or have equivalent experience) - Essential (Application/interview)
- Experience of working in a technical support environment - Desirable (Application/interview)
• Role-specific skills
- Processing of human samples
- Flow cytometry
- Cell culture
- Essential (Application/interview)
• Other skills
- Molecular biology techniques (PCR, library preparation)
- Histopathology techniques
- Desirable (Application/interview)
- Excellent knowledge of safe working practices and experience of applying Health and Safety in a laboratory environment - Desirable (Application/interview)
- Technical professional registration or the willingness to work towards this - Essential (Application/interview)
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate to academic, research and technical staff at all levels within the organisation - Essential (Application/interview)
- Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving - Essential (Application/interview)
- Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities - Essential (Application/interview)
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and with a high degree of accuracy - Essential (Application/interview)
- Understanding of the health and safety issues relevant to the area and the ability to instil good health and safety practices within a team - Essential (Application/interview)
- Further Information
- Grade: G5
- Work arrangement: Full-time 35 hours per week
- Duration: 3.5 years
- Line manager: Professor Sergio Rutella, Professor of Cancer Immunotherapy, SMPH
- Direct reports: None
- Our website: https://sheffield. ac. uk/cancer/about/leadership-team
- For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Sergio Rutella at s. rutella@sheffield. ac. uk
- Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 25 August 2026.
This will consist of an interview and a short power-point presentation.
We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 17 August 2026.
If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact the Staffing Team at smph-west-staffing@sheffield. ac. uk.
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield. ac. uk/vision (opens in new window).
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; integrated with our Technical Career Route
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield. ac. uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
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.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence.
Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society.
We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience.
Our University Vision ( www. sheffield. ac. uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.
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Technician in Sheffield employer: Diversity Dashboard
Diversity Dashboard is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about tackling inequality and poverty. With a flexible working environment in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages collaboration and continuous learning, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role while making a meaningful impact in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician in Sheffield
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Diversity Dashboard. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Diversity Dashboard!
We think you need these skills to ace Technician in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Diversity Dashboard that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Diversity Dashboard.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Diversity Dashboard does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Diversity Dashboard. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Diversity Dashboard's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Diversity Dashboard. This shows your passion for the industry!
