At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide technical support in biological labs and maintain lab equipment.
- Company: Join a leading university with a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and a chance to work with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in research while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Higher National Diploma in a biological subject and lab experience required.
The predicted salary is between 27319 - 31236 € per year.
Reporting to the Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations), you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive, responsive, and enthusiastic technical support service for staff, students and external customers across the Faculty of Engineering. This role involves working with research groups in biological or biomaterials laboratories, providing advice and guidance on a broad range of technical issues to support experimental work, undergraduate and postgraduate research projects. You will calibrate, operate and maintain a variety of biological lab equipment and analytical instruments such as HPLC, mass spectrometry and fermenters, and provide training, demonstrations and safe working practice guidance. You will also manage administrative tasks including requisitioning consumables, chemicals and equipment. High working standards and a strong commitment to health and safety are essential. You will maintain records, conduct risk assessments and provide safety information as required.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Provide a high‑quality, comprehensive technical service across the School’s research and teaching laboratories.
- Use, monitor and maintain general and specialist technical equipment, ensuring minimal disruptions due to faulty equipment.
- Commission experimental apparatus, perform experimental testing, and record and disseminate data.
- Support the Technical Manager in daily laboratory operations to ensure safe and reliable service.
- Deliver technical advice and training/demonstrations to staff, students and visitors.
- Plan experimental tasks up to three weeks in advance, with flexibility to plan 1 week to 3 months ahead.
- Provide excellent customer service, suggest service improvements, and refer requests to senior colleagues as appropriate.
- Maintain awareness of health and safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and liaise with the Department Safety Officer.
- Demonstrate commitment to the Sheffield Professional Framework and embed sustainability in daily activities.
- Make ethical decisions and promote university sustainability wherever possible.
- Perform any other duties commensurate with the post.
Person Specification
- Higher National Diploma or higher in a biological subject (or equivalent experience).
- Broad experience working in a biological or biomaterials laboratory environment.
- Experience with HPLC systems, fermenters, molecular biology or microbiological techniques.
- Knowledge of COSHH and BioCOSHH and application to laboratory-based work.
- Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, safety legislation and quality standards.
- Effective IT and communication skills, including written and verbal report‑writing.
- Excellent customer service skills, responding efficiently to phone, email and personal enquiries.
- Ability to troubleshoot technical problems and seek relevant advice.
- Aware of electrical safety issues when performing repairs.
- Ability to work to deadlines, assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
- Professional registration or willingness to work towards it.
- Experience working in a team and developing a network of contacts within the work area.
Further Information
- Grade: 5
- Salary: £27,319 - £31,236 per annum (potential to progress to £33,951 per annum)
- Work arrangement: Full‑time
- Duration: Open‑ended
- Line manager: Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations)
- Website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
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.
Technician - Biological Laboratory Operations employer: Diversity Dashboard
As a Technician in Biological Laboratory Operations at the University of Sheffield, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With access to cutting-edge laboratory facilities and a commitment to sustainability, you will play a vital role in advancing research while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package and a culture that values health and safety. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of biological sciences and contribute to a vibrant academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Technician - Biological Laboratory Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the biological lab field, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you’ve got experience with HPLC systems or fermenters, make sure to highlight that in conversations. We want to see you demonstrate your technical prowess during interviews or networking chats.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening on our website, don’t wait around. Apply as soon as possible and follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. We love seeing candidates who take initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of COSHH and safety regulations, as these are crucial in lab environments. We want to see that you’re not just a great technician, but also a safety-conscious one!
We think you need these skills to ace Technician - Biological Laboratory Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in biological or biomaterials laboratories. We want to see how your skills match the specific requirements of the Technician role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant expertise!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves working with equipment like HPLC and mass spectrometry, be sure to mention any hands-on experience you have with these tools. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical know-how and problem-solving abilities.
Highlight Your Customer Service Experience:As you'll be providing support to staff, students, and external customers, it’s important to showcase your customer service skills. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and resolved issues in previous roles – we value a friendly and responsive approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the details you need right there. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Diversity Dashboard
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the biological lab equipment mentioned in the job description, like HPLC and mass spectrometry. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools and how you've used them in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Safety Awareness
Since health and safety are crucial in this role, brush up on COSHH and BioCOSHH regulations. Prepare to talk about how you've implemented safety practices in previous positions and any risk assessments you've conducted.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
This position requires excellent customer service. Think of examples where you've provided support or training to colleagues or students, and be ready to explain how you handled inquiries efficiently.
✨Plan Ahead
The job involves planning experimental tasks up to three weeks in advance. Come prepared with examples of how you've successfully managed timelines and resources in previous projects, demonstrating your organisational skills.
