Senior Technician: Biosafety in Sheffield

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.

As a Senior Technician in Biosafety and Microbiology, you will work as an integral member of our School’s existing technical team. Reporting to Technical Managers, you will contribute to the planning, design, and execution of a range of experimental procedures and maintain and evaluate a range of specialist equipment to support research activities in our Containment Level 2 and 3 laboratories. You will also act as the Biosafety Officer for the School, providing technical expertise to undergraduate and postgraduate projects, alongside administration duties such as record keeping and health and safety compliance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise and maintain the School’s Containment Level 3 (CL3) and Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratories, providing induction, training, and supervision for CL2 & CL3 lab work.
• Maintain and manage a strict security, maintenance, and decontamination regime within the CL3 facility in accordance with HSE legislation and Counter Terrorism requirements.
• Act as Biosafety Officer for the School, maintaining the Biosafety project database and representing the School at UoS Biosafety committee meetings and other relevant H&S committees.
• Develop, perform, and refine research experiments as required and support the daily running of the School microbiology laboratories to ensure continued safe and reliable service excellence.
• Present data and results to academic research groups and wider audiences as required.
• Plan and perform general laboratory maintenance, including ordering, routine maintenance of equipment, consumables, stocks, etc.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and tidy records of pathogen collections, authorised users, statutory inspections, and laboratory usage to meet internal and external requirements and legislation.
• Maintain accurate lab databases, including SOPs, Code of Practice, CoSHH, etc.
• Provide a high‑quality, detailed and effective technical service across the School, liaising with colleagues regarding potential work and carrying out experimental procedures.
• Provide detailed training, development and instruction on equipment and techniques to staff and students across the School, ensuring a strong emphasis on health and safety.
• Undertake short‑term project management within own work area or contribute as part of larger department‑wide project teams.
• Provide a high standard of customer service to staff, students and visitors.
• Use, monitor and maintain a range of general and specialist technical equipment, ensuring minimum impact from faulty equipment and participating in the development, testing and construction of new equipment and/or techniques.
• Maintain a good awareness of and full commitment to the relevant health and safety rules and regulations, particularly in the area of biosafety and microbiological containment.
• Attend training and further education, including continuous professional development activities, when applicable.
• Work collaboratively across the School, providing support, advice and guidance when required.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework and embed the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• 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. Even if your past experience does not match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply.

Essential Criteria

• Outstanding honours degree or Higher National Diploma (or equivalent experience) in a relevant scientific field.
• Extensive experience of working in microbiological containment laboratories, including biosafety management and budget provisions.
• Extensive experience of providing an effective and efficient technical support service.
• Experience training staff and students in relevant technical procedures, including troubleshooting and data analysis.
• Detailed knowledge and awareness of and commitment to relevant health and safety regulations and processes, especially in biosafety.
• High standard of communication skills, both written and verbal, and experience of delivering presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to enquiries.
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and to advise others.
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities independently and in a timely manner with high‑quality output.
• Technical professional registration or willingness to work towards it.
• Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts.

Desirable Criteria

• Any additional experience or qualifications that complement the above requirements.

Job Details

• Grade: 6
• Salary: £32,080 - £36,636
• Work arrangement: Full‑time
• Line manager: Technical Manager
• Direct reports: Technical Manager, CL3 Facility Director

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 range of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• Commitment to your development with access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework / 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.

We are a Disability Confident Employer.