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 pension scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.
Overview
Reporting to the Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations), you will provide a comprehensive, responsive and enthusiastic technical support service for staff, students and external customers across the Faculty of Engineering.
The role involves working with research groups in the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering, providing advice and guidance on a broad range of technical issues to support experimental work and research projects. You will be expected to have practical skills, a patient, methodical approach and a logical troubleshooting ability.
Key technical responsibilities include calibrating, operating and maintaining biological lab equipment and analytical instrumentation such as HPLC, mass spectrometry and fermenters. You’ll also provide training, demonstrations and keep detailed records, as well as conducting requisitioning of consumables, chemicals and equipment.
High working standards are essential to maintain our service excellence and exemplary health and safety record. This includes full commitment to relevant regulations, providing safety information and updates, and carrying out COSHH and risk assessments.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Provide a high‑quality, comprehensive technical service across the School’s research and teaching laboratories and the wider Faculty of Engineering. Liaise with customers regarding potential work, provide guidance and carry out experimental procedures. Where required, provide cost estimates and timescales for jobs and materials.
* Use, monitor and maintain a range of general and specialist technical equipment and consumables to meet the needs of the School, ensuring minimum impact from faulty equipment. Be involved in the development, testing and construction of new equipment and/or techniques, including installation, monitoring and maintenance.
* Carry out commissioning of experimental apparatus and conduct experimental testing, recording and disseminating data to staff, students and customers.
* Support the Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations) in the daily running of the School’s laboratories to ensure safe and reliable service excellence.
* Provide technical advice, training and demonstrations in the use of specialised equipment to staff, students and visitors. Contribute to short‑term projects within your work area or as part of larger, department‑wide project teams.
* Plan experimental tasks up to 3 weeks ahead, with flexibility between 1 week and 3 months depending on research programmes and scope.
* Deliver excellent customer service, making suggestions for service improvement and referring staff and students to senior colleagues when appropriate.
* Maintain awareness of and commitment to Health and Safety rules and regulations. Provide safety information, conduct risk assessments, maintain training records and liaise with the Department Safety Officer to ensure compliance with legislation and University policies.
* Demonstrate the professional behaviours outlined in the Sheffield Professional Framework. Reference: Sheffield Professional Framework.
* Apply ethical decision‑making principles, embedding the University's sustainability strategy into your activities whenever possible.
* Perform any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
We value diversity, belonging and respect. If your past experience does not match perfectly, we encourage you to apply – knowledge and contribution are valued.
Essential Requirements
* Higher National Diploma or higher in a biological subject (or equivalent experience).
* Broad experience of working in a biological or biomaterials laboratory environment.
* Experience with HPLC systems, fermenters, molecular biology or microbiological techniques and equipment.
* Knowledge of COSHH, BioCOSHH and understanding of laboratory safety application.
* Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, safety legislation and quality standards.
* Effective IT and communication skills – written, verbal, report‑writing, and ability to communicate organisational strategy and personal contribution across all staff levels.
* Excellent customer service skills – responding efficiently to phone, email and in‑person enquiries.
* Ability to troubleshoot technical problems and seek relevant advice.
* Awareness of electrical safety issues during repairs.
* Ability to work to deadlines, assess, organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
* Professional registration or willingness to work towards it.
* Experience working in a team and developing a network of contacts throughout your work area.
Further Information
* Grade: 5
* Salary: £27,319 – £31,236 per annum with potential progression to £33,951 per annum
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Duration: Open‑ended
* Line manager: Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations)
Benefits
* A minimum of 38 days of annual leave, including bank holidays and closure days (pro ratio), with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* Wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, dining and travel.
* Range of staff networks – Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parents’ networks.
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
* Commitment to your development, access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with our Technical Career Route.
* 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. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
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