Overview
Reporting to the Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations), you will be responsible for providing a comprehensive, responsive, and enthusiastic technical support service for staff, students and external customers across the Faculty of Engineering.
This role involves working with research groups in biological or biomaterials laboratories, providing advice and guidance on a broad range of technical issues to support experimental work, undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.
You will calibrate, operate and maintain a variety of biological lab equipment and analytical instruments such as HPLC, mass spectrometry and fermenters, and provide training, demonstrations and safe working practice guidance. You will also manage administrative tasks including requisitioning consumables, chemicals and equipment.
High working standards and a strong commitment to health and safety are essential. You will maintain records, conduct risk assessments and provide safety information as required.
Main duties and responsibilities
* Provide a high‑quality, comprehensive technical service across the School’s research and teaching laboratories.
* Use, monitor and maintain general and specialist technical equipment, ensuring minimal disruptions due to faulty equipment.
* Commission experimental apparatus, perform experimental testing, and record and disseminate data.
* Support the Technical Manager in daily laboratory operations to ensure safe and reliable service.
* Deliver technical advice and training/demonstrations to staff, students and visitors.
* Plan experimental tasks up to three weeks in advance, with flexibility to plan 1 week to 3 months ahead.
* Provide excellent customer service, suggest service improvements, and refer requests to senior colleagues as appropriate.
* Maintain awareness of health and safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, and liaise with the Department Safety Officer.
* Demonstrate commitment to the Sheffield Professional Framework and embed sustainability in daily activities.
* Make ethical decisions and promote university sustainability wherever possible.
* Perform any other duties commensurate with the post.
Person Specification
* Essential: Higher National Diploma or higher in a biological subject (or equivalent experience).
* Essential: Broad experience working in a biological or biomaterials laboratory environment.
* Essential: Experience with HPLC systems, fermenters, molecular biology or microbiological techniques.
* Essential: Knowledge of COSHH and BioCOSHH and application to laboratory-based work.
* Essential: Knowledge of relevant systems, policies, safety legislation and quality standards.
* Essential: Effective IT and communication skills, including written and verbal report‑writing.
* Essential: Excellent customer service skills, responding efficiently to phone, email and personal enquiries.
* Essential: Ability to troubleshoot technical problems and seek relevant advice.
* Essential: Awareness of electrical safety issues when performing repairs.
* Essential: Ability to work to deadlines, assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.
* Essential: Professional registration or willingness to work towards it.
* Essential: Experience working in a team and developing a network of contacts within the work area.
Further Information
* Grade: 5
* Salary: £27,319 - £31,236 per annum (potential to progress to £33,951 per annum)
* Work arrangement: Full‑time
* Duration: Open‑ended
* Line manager: Technical Manager (Bio‑Laboratory Operations)
* Website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/cmbe
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.
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