At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and service laboratory equipment, ensuring everything runs smoothly for teaching and research.
- Company: Join a supportive educational institution focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38+ days of leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team with excellent career growth and support for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic environment while developing your technical skills.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in English and Maths, plus vocational skills in electrical and mechanical maintenance.
The predicted salary is between 25249 - 26707 € per year.
Overview: You will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive maintenance and instrumentation maintenance and servicing provision for staff, students and external customers across the School, underpinning the fundamental working practices of the teaching, research and facilities.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
- Carry out routine maintenance of common laboratory equipment, using standard operating procedures, and keeping records. To include water purifiers, ultra‑low temperature freezers, vacuum pumps, as examples.
- Where required, assist operations team members to create bespoke apparatus for research applications, providing input at all stages of development and production.
- Diagnose faulty equipment requiring repair and undertake repairs using appropriate tools, techniques and procedures where competent to do so under the supervision of the team leader.
- Maintain accurate records of works undertaken, using appropriate IT and software, including the Asset Database and SAP for ordering.
- Assist with purchasing including ordering and distributing goods.
- Carry out PAT for new items, adding them to the Asset Database, and also for repaired items.
- Assist staff to scrap old items and ensure these are removed from the database.
- Participate in the planning and organising of the preventative maintenance service schedule for commonly held laboratory equipment.
- Provide technical advice to staff and students in relation to the work area and the instrumentation used.
- Liaise with appropriate staff to ensure work areas and equipment are kept functional, for example, prepare areas for visiting service engineers, provide decontamination certificates, keep appropriate records.
- Contribute to the planning and organisation of moving significant amounts of laboratory equipment, or specialised laboratory equipment, using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment, as well as contributing to the moving of equipment.
- Assist with training staff and students to safely operate more complex and specialised equipment, for example compressed gas cylinders and regulators.
- Carry out inductions, training and demonstrations of relevant equipment.
- Understand and apply relevant risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols at all times.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Essential Criteria:
- Minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
- Demonstrable vocational skills and experience including 18th Edition IET or more recent equivalent training.
- Knowledge of electrical and mechanical skills including the use of hand tools used in the installation, calibration and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
- Understanding and application of Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices.
- Ability to complete technical documentation appropriately and maintain accurate record keeping.
- Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff, to identify and understand their needs.
- Understanding how to follow correct procedures and instructions in order to achieve compliance against statutory regulations.
- Ability to identify problems and follow suitable escalation routes.
- Ability to use common IT applications such as Google Workspaces.
- Adaptable to the demands of the role and changes in workflow, planning and organising routine tasks.
- Technical Professional registration or equivalent or working towards.
Salary and Working Hours:
Grade 4 – £25,249 to £26,707 per annum, with potential to progress to £28,778 through sustained exceptional contribution. Full‑time (35 hours per week). Permanent, available immediately.
Line Manager: Senior Technician: Technical Operations
Benefits and Working Arrangements:
- Minimum 38 days annual leave (pro‑rated) with option to purchase more.
- Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid options.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Wide range of discounts and rewards for shopping, eating out, and travel.
- Staff networks and peer support groups.
- Recognition awards.
- Access to learning, mentoring schemes, and a technical career route.
- Family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting, fertility support, menopause support, and more.
Inclusive Employment: 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.
Closing Date: 10/6/2026
Support Technician: Electrical & Instrumentation employer: The University of Sheffield
As a Support Technician in Electrical & Instrumentation, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a generous benefits package including 38 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and access to mentoring schemes, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Support Technician: Electrical & Instrumentation
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for technical questions! Brush up on your electrical and mechanical skills, and be ready to discuss how you've tackled similar challenges in the past. Show them you can handle the equipment and procedures they'll throw at you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Support Technician: Electrical & Instrumentation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Support Technician. We want to see how you can contribute to our maintenance and servicing provision, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves diagnosing and repairing equipment, be sure to mention any hands-on experience you have with electrical and mechanical skills. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge of tools and techniques used in laboratory settings.
Keep It Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and structure your responses well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Equipment
Familiarise yourself with the common laboratory equipment mentioned in the job description, like water purifiers and ultra-low temperature freezers. Being able to discuss their maintenance and operation will show your technical knowledge and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've diagnosed and repaired faulty equipment in the past. Highlight your ability to follow procedures and use appropriate tools, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving capabilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've interacted with colleagues and students to understand their needs. Share examples of how you’ve provided technical advice or training, as this will illustrate your ability to convey complex information clearly.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Brush up on relevant health and safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you apply them in a lab setting. Showing that you prioritise safety and compliance will reassure the interviewers of your professionalism and responsibility.
