Technician: Research (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology ) in Sheffield

Overview

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. Find out more about our benefits and join us to become part of something special.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Intensive fieldwork on a colour‑ringed population of long‑tailed tits from March to June each year
• Occasional low intensity fieldwork from August to February each year
• Recording of vocalisations from birds in the study site during the breeding season
• Processing of recordings to identify and isolate specific calls for subsequent analysis
• Meticulous record‑keeping in the field and prompt entry of data into appropriate databases
• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
• Maintain accurate and reliable 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
• 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.

Criteria

Essential

• Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description
• Experience of conducting field research on wild birds
• Practical application of appropriate technical and scientific principles
• 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
• Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste
• Theoretical understanding of scientific principles
• 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
• Excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation
• Experience of identifying individually marked birds in the field

Desirable

• Understanding of relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures / systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations

Further Information

Grade: 5
Salary: £27,319 - £31,236 per annum
Work arrangement: Full‑time (35 hours per week). Flexible working pattern considered in line with business need and work demands
Duration: Fixed‑term from 1 September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to 9 October 2027
Line manager: Professor of Evolutionary Ecology (Principal Investigator)
Direct reports: None

Contact

For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof Ben Hatchwell (Professor of Evolutionary Ecology / Principal Investigator) at b.hatchwell@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. This will consist of an interview, tour of the lab and informal meeting with colleagues. 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

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: https://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

• 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

More details can be found on our benefits page: https://sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.

Disability

We are a Disability Confident Leader. 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.

Closing Date: 30 07 2026