Technician (Research) in Sheffield

Prof Julie Gray and Dr Stuart Casson in the School of Biosciences are looking to appoint a Technician to join a BBSRC funded project investigating the molecular basis of heat and drought stress tolerance in rice crops. You will work alongside and support a post‑doctoral researcher employed on the project. The project also involves collaboration with researchers at the Universities of Penn State in USA, Wurzburg in Germany, and the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. Our objective is to understand abiotic stress tolerance in traditional rice cultivars through studying genetic variations associated with growth in hot or dry environments. To explore whether these genetic variations can confer climate resilience we will compare the physiology and yield of multiple cultivars in carefully controlled environments and in field trials. We will test the function of our target genes by genetically manipulating their expression.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in a biological science related subject, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description and experience of plant and crop physiology and ideally molecular biology. You will have excellent organisational, communication and record‑keeping skills and be able to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly, for example verbally or in presentation or written format.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Assisting with laboratory experiments.
• Growth, maintenance, physiological, cellular and yield analysis of experimental plant material.
• Measuring plant water use by regular pot weighing.
• Harvesting and weighing seed and vegetative material.
• Tissue collection and molecular and biochemical analysis of plant material.
• Maintain accurate and reliable written and electronic records of obtained data.
• Deliver technical training to others in the use of materials/equipment/tools and processes to meet the needs of the audience.
• Facilitating the smooth running of the research group.
• Assisting with writing‑up experimental results, analysing results and preparing figures.
• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines.
• Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance.
• Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance.
• 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.

Essential Criteria:

• Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in a biological science related subject, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description.
• Experience in plant physiology and molecular biology.
• Laboratory experience with crop plant research.
• Understanding of stomatal biology.
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress laboratory work activities.
• Experience of working within a research team and aligning the day‑to‑day work and goals of the team with research objectives.
• Ability to work with computer software, scientific databases and online resources.
• Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste.
• Knowledge of relevant Health & Safety systems, policies, and legislation for laboratory work including working with genetically modified organisms.
• Excellent communication skills to be able to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly to a wide variety of stakeholders, in a variety of methods, for example verbally or in presentation or written format.
• Knowledge of planning techniques, time management, workflow, work scheduling, work plans, documents, including record keeping.

Further Information:

• Grade: 5
• Salary: £27,319 - £28,778 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full‑time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Fixed term for a period of 34 months (available immediately)
• Line manager: Professor of Plant Cell Signalling (PI)
• Direct reports: None
• Our website: School of Biosciences

Benefits:

• 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.
• Support for those going through menopause.
• Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
• and more.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

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 are committed to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.