At a Glance
- Tasks: Support practical teaching in molecular bioscience labs and manage a small team of technicians.
- Company: Join a leading School of Biosciences with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a commitment to your professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community that values inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while working with cutting-edge molecular biology techniques.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in biological sciences and experience in lab teaching support required.
The predicted salary is between 32080 - 36636 € per year.
The School of Biosciences is looking for a talented technician position to support practical teaching in the Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Laboratories. The breadth of activity in the School includes fieldwork, plant biology, ecology, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry and microbiology. We are seeking an individual with specialism in the area of molecular biology to work with our team leader (the Technical Specialist: Education) and academics to ensure excellent teaching support in semester and strong teaching development activity and training out of semester.
The successful candidate will supervise a small team for daily activities, working towards a strategy of a multidisciplinary team that fulfils the needs of the whole school, cultivating individual specialism and talent. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree in a biological sciences subject (or equivalent experience) along with well-developed knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology (including biochemistry, microbiology, genetics). Experience of providing technical support for large-group laboratory teaching at BSc or MSc level is also essential.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Provide specialist technical support in UG and PGT laboratory teaching for the Biochemistry and molecular biology programmes, including coordinating the timely preparation of reagents/materials; planning and resource allocation; ensuring spaces and equipment are fit for use and suitably prepared for all users including open days and wider faculty use.
- Act as the main point of contact for the technical team and academic enquiries in your area.
- Liaise with academic staff to establish timetables and session requirements, ensure the smooth running of the practical classes, and identify any areas for session improvement.
- Carry out experimental work as required for the development or refinement of practicals.
- Line manage a small team of technicians within your specialist area, including delegating tasks, managing workloads, monitoring performance and undertaking annual reviews.
- Provide training for the technical team in specialist techniques, equipment and teaching support work. Also provide detailed coaching/instruction on equipment to staff/students.
- Be responsible for health and safety of the work area, including creating, amending and revising documentation to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Take responsibility for specialist equipment and instrumentation, arranging timely servicing and maintenance in collaboration with the Technical Operations Team.
- Manage IT requirements for practical teaching, ensuring software availability and maintaining online resources. Review periodically with academic staff.
- Take delegated responsibility for budgets, and work with the Technical Specialist: Education to plan and prioritise spending.
- Collaborate with the Technical Specialist: Education and the other team leaders to share best practice, progress work, align practices and allocate the team and resources.
- Under the guidance of the Technical Specialist: Education, create and maintain records/documents to underpin a robust support service and ensure business continuity.
- Attend meetings to represent your operational activities and contribute to planning.
- Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and are able to flourish.
- As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework.
- 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.
- 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.
Criteria
- Well-developed knowledge and practical experience in molecular biology (including biochemistry, microbiology, genetics).
- Experience of providing technical support for large-group laboratory teaching at BSc or MSc level.
- Apply relevant approaches and techniques for the demonstration and training of relevant techniques, appropriate to meet the needs of the audience.
- Extensive experience of providing an effective and efficient technical support service, that includes planning and prioritising workload.
- Understand and comply with relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures/systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations.
- Understand the importance of delivering excellent customer service to customers and colleagues, including identifying needs and responding appropriately in line with situation and organisational style/culture.
- Proven ability to create and maintain records/documents/systems, with excellent attention to detail.
- Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff, to identify and understand their needs, understanding the importance of excellent customer service.
- Technical Professional Registration or willingness to work towards it.
- IOSH Managing Safely or equivalent qualification.
- Experience of managing others, including delegating tasks, managing workloads, ensuring competency and supporting development. (Desirable)
Grade Grade 6
Salary £32,080 – £36,636 per annum, pro rata
Work arrangement Part-time (17.5 hours per week)
Duration Fixed-term from 29 June 2026 for a period of 12 months
Line manager Technical Specialist
Direct reports Technician (Grade 5) and Support Technician (Grade 4)
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; Technical Career Route.
- 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.
Senior Technician: Education (Molecular Bioscience) employer: The University of Sheffield
The School of Biosciences offers an exceptional work environment for the Senior Technician: Education role, fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect where every staff member is valued. With generous benefits such as 38 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in a supportive atmosphere. Located in a vibrant academic community, this position not only allows for meaningful contributions to education but also provides unique opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the field of molecular bioscience.
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Technician: Education (Molecular Bioscience)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the biosciences field, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its programmes. Familiarise yourself with their teaching methods and recent projects in molecular bioscience. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical skills! Since this role involves providing support in laboratory settings, make sure you're up to speed with the latest techniques and equipment. Consider doing mock demonstrations to showcase your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Technician: Education (Molecular Bioscience)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in molecular biology and technical support. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of how you've provided technical support in large-group lab settings. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs in the School of Biosciences.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your statements are easy to read and directly address the criteria mentioned in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Molecular Biology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your molecular biology knowledge, especially in biochemistry, microbiology, and genetics. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques and experiences you've had in these areas, as they will likely come up during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Teaching Support Experience
Highlight your experience in providing technical support for large-group laboratory teaching. Think of examples where you successfully coordinated practical classes or improved session delivery, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively to the team.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing a small team, be ready to talk about your leadership style. Share examples of how you've delegated tasks, managed workloads, and supported the development of others. This will show that you're not just technically skilled but also capable of leading a team.
✨Emphasise Health and Safety Awareness
Familiarise yourself with health and safety regulations relevant to laboratory environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, as this is crucial for maintaining a safe working environment for both staff and students.
