Support Technician: Education (Biological Sciences) 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. 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.

Overview

The School of Biosciences is looking to recruit a talented technician who will strengthen our skill base in the support of 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, physiology, neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry and microbiology. We are seeking individuals to work within our diverse team of technicians, to ensure excellent practical teaching support across the School. The role will support the Schools molecular biology, zoology, ecology and biological science programmes, and you will also assist with other practical teaching support across the School. The role involves all aspects of laboratory operations including sample preparation, laboratory setup, equipment maintenance, housekeeping, record keeping and health and safety activities.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare and aliquot materials for laboratory classes or other teaching activities as required, including but not limited to: media, solutions and buffers; yeast and bacterial cultures; mammalian cell culture; model organisms; DNA, plasmids and PCR; electrophoresis gels; cell extracts; proteins and enzymes; plants; invertebrates; field equipment; first aid supplies.
• Carry out the set‑up, clear‑away and re‑storage of reagents and equipment for classes, open days and any other teaching lab use. Includes maintenance and calibration of equipment, waste handling, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and order in the laboratories.
• Liaise with other members of the technical team to determine equipment, materials, IT and any other resource requirements across the teaching labs, and ensure everything is prepared in a timely manner. Includes stock checking, ordering, planning, inventorying and appropriate storage of materials.
• Prioritise own work to meet deadlines and appropriate standards, and assist senior staff in planning for future work.
• Train and supervise junior members of staff in procedures, techniques and instrumentation.
• Maintain information, records, databases and documentation, to ensure accuracy, efficiency and business continuity.
• Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols, ensuring correct procedures are followed at all times.
• Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and can flourish professionally or academically.
• You will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding 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. 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.

• Minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification or equivalent vocational experience - Essential
• Skills and experience in the following: media, buffer and solution preparation; DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis; microscopy; plant and invertebrate husbandry; ecology; fieldwork - Essential
• Understanding and application of Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices - Essential
• Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff, to identify and understand their needs - Essential
• Understand how to follow correct procedures and instructions in order to achieve compliance against statutory regulations - Essential
• Ability to identify problems and follow suitable escalation routes - Essential
• Adaptable to the demands of the role and changes in workflow, planning and organising routine tasks - Essential
• Ability and willingness to engage in relevant training - Essential
• Technical Professional Registration or willingness to work towards it - Desirable
• Skills and experience in any of the following: cell culture; model organisms and developmental biology; microbial culture and sterile technique; protein handling and cell extract preparation; pharmacology; physiology - Desirable
• Experience of providing laboratory technical support - Desirable

Further Information

Grade 4 Salary £25,249 - £26,707 per annum, pro rata with the potential to progress to £28,778. Work arrangement Part‑time (28 hours per week). Duration Permanent, available from 1 February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter).

Our website: School of Biosciences. For informal enquiries about this job contact Melanie Hannah (School Technical Manager) at m.hannah@sheffield.ac.uk.

Next steps in the recruitment process: It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan: We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision.

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 including 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.

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 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.