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 (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

We are thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Research Technician to join the National Alternative Protein Innovation Centre (NAPIC). 

NAPIC is a £38m entity (including a £15m UKRI investment) to lead the UK’s Alternative Protein Knowledge and Innovation ecosystem. NAPIC’s vision is to make alternative proteins mainstream for a sustainable planet. The centre is led by the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Imperial College London and the James Hutton Institute, in collaboration with over 150 national and international partners. NAPIC is a cohesive pan-UK centre poised to revolutionise the UK’s agri-food sector by harnessing our world-leading science base through a co-created alternative protein strategy across the Discovery → Innovation → Commercialisation pipeline to support the transition to a sustainable, high growth, blended protein bioeconomy. NAPIC features four integrated activity streams: research to address innovation challenges; a national alternative protein knowledge base; workforce of the future; and accessible Innovation facilities.

This role, based at the University of Sheffield, requires experience in providing technical support for biological research. You will play a key role in supporting ongoing alternative protein research and collaborative projects with NAPIC’s industrial partners, contributing to work with tangible, real-world impact. As part of this dynamic environment, you’ll also join a thriving community of NAPIC researchers, collectively advancing the alternative protein sector and shaping the future of sustainable food systems.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide a high-quality, comprehensive and effective technical service. Where required provide cost estimates and timescales for jobs and materials.

• Provide routine laboratory support (e.g., media and buffer preparation, fermenter preparation, equipment calibration, waste disposal etc). 

• Use, monitor and maintain a range of general and specialist technical equipment to meet the needs of the research team with regard to experimental work, ensuring minimum impact is caused by faulty equipment. Be involved in the development, testing and construction of new equipment and/or techniques. This involves installing, monitoring and maintaining technical equipment and systems.

• Carry out commissioning of experimental apparatus and carry out experimental testing including the recording and dissemination of data to staff.

• Provide technical advice and training/demonstrations in the use of specialised equipment to staff, students and visitors, ensuring that health and safety is maintained throughout.

• Contribute to short-term projects within your own work area or contribute as part of larger project teams to support the achievement of project objectives.

• Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations. Provide safety information to staff and students. Carry out and document risk assessments on student and staff activities, maintain training records and liaise with the School Safety Officer to ensure compliance with legislation and

• 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.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in May & June 2026. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in the week commencing 25th May 2026. Please contact cmbe-staffing-contracts@sheffield.ac.uk if you require any reasonable adjustments.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

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; integrated with our 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: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.