Senior Technician (Helium Liquefier) 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.

Working under the direction of the Technical Manager, you will manage the School’s Helium Liquefier facility, providing technical knowledge and skills to enable the ongoing operations of the Liquefier. The facility produces approximately 80,000 liquid litres per annum, which supports the low temperature research in the department. The helium liquefier is a complex process which liquefies recovered helium gas from research laboratories, the liquid is subsequently re-used in low temperature research and the resultant gas is recovered, stored and re-liquefied.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• The day to day running of the Helium recovery and supply service.
• Enable the continued use of the helium liquefier.
• Ascertain liquid helium requirements of research groups and distribute liquid helium and other cryogens as required.
• Provide data to enable the billing and financial reporting of the Helium Liquefier Facility.
• Repair cryogenic equipment and advise customers on the safe use of cryogens.
• Provide regular updates on progress of construction/repair to customers, recommending and agreeing to any necessary modifications.
• Consult with external organisations to develop solutions and identify suitable materials.
• Undertake repairs and maintenance servicing of apparatus and equipment to ensure its ongoing operation and viability.
• Contribute to a team that provides manufacturing and repair capability to the department and to National and International research projects.
• Oversee the monitoring of liquid nitrogen levels, prepare weekly orders and keep records.
• Maintain and record gas cylinder stocks and order as and when required.
• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines.
• Train technical colleagues in the operation of the liquefier.
• Provide some technical support across Physics Research laboratories and the wider School.
• 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.

Criteria:

• Experience equivalent to Level 6 (Degree) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description.
• Knowledge of relevant health and safety issues and procedures.
• Knowledge of the properties of cryogens and related health and safety issues.
• Knowledge of PSSR regulations and their requirements.
• Knowledge of workshop activity: for example vacuum technology, metrology, material finishing, CNC and conventional machining, welding (particularly TIG).
• Experience with compressors and high and low pressure gas systems.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• A good level of IT skills using Microsoft packages and Google apps.
• The ability to work well with a wide range of contacts from PhD students to senior academic staff.
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving.
• Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
• Technical Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it.

Further Information:

• Grade 6
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Line manager: Technical Manager
• Direct reports: None

If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility.

Next steps in the recruitment process:

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in December 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date.

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. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

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.