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

The Senior Research Technician in the School of Psychology is responsible for leading and delivering the highest quality technical expertise and support for teaching and research. Reporting to the Operations Manager, this is a key role which will work flexibly across our four buildings, sometimes multiple buildings in the same day, delivering expert technical and operational assistance and support for digital learning.

You will be responsible for the maintenance of the school’s research equipment including experimental hardware and other operational logistics such as room bookings for our research facilities. The Senior Research Technician will provide the technical support for our British Psychological Society (BPS) accredited courses specifically including our BSc in Psychology, along with wider contributions across our PGT and PGR programmes. This post will assist students setting up experiments and/or statistical analysis related enquiries.

We are looking to recruit a well organised individual, with a strong understanding of relevant legislation, including Health and Safety, as well as contributing to the acquisition and maintenance of research equipment, contributing to the School’s ambitions in the Research Excellence Framework (REF) and Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Main duties and responsibilities

Technical support

• Lead on high-level support for projects by providing advice and training on experiment design as well as developing/refining experimental paradigms or equipment for research.
•  Take responsibility for the set up and maintenance of specialist IT equipment (e.g. EEG) providing installation and hardware support, liaising with external and internal partners as required to ensure good operational order of systems and equipment.
• Ensuring considerations for implementation in short-term and long-term contingency is in place for development of any new equipment and ways of working.
• Catalogue and store resources and equipment, maintain records including those relating to research room bookings and access, working with colleagues by providing induction or training to new users of facilities.
• Understand how to store and handle data in accordance with University Policy & legislation.
• Assist with the introduction of new research methods and procurement of new equipment, encouraging a pro-active approach towards sustainability and carbon reduction.

Digital Learning Support

• Work with the Directors of Education and Undergraduate Studies in Psychology to develop high-quality, truly inclusive learning, co-designed with students and staff, enhancing student experience working towards the University Vision for Education.
• Assist with the demonstration of technologies and associated equipment to groups of students, staff or other identified stakeholders as required.
•  Provide expert digital learning support to Academic and Professional Services staff.
• Actively engage in the maintenance, development and broadening their own knowledge of procedures associated with the area evaluating and implementing new technical advances in line with professional practice.

Additional duties

• Work with the School Health and Safety Officer to ensure efficient and safe management of resources and buildings, including participation in risk assessment, safety inspections/monitoring, reporting building faults and other University Health & Safety procedures relevant to this area.
• Effectively prioritise and manage workload independently, delegate to others as required, while remaining flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, promptly addressing unexpected tasks, in a timely and efficient manner, recognizing when to consult with senior colleagues for guidance.
• Work as an active member of the Professional Services Team in collaboration with School stakeholders to deliver excellent support and customer service .
• Attend faculty/university level meetings as school representative and disseminate as appropriate to school colleagues.
• Work with other members of the professional services support team across multiple

locations on campus and remotely; encouraging cohesion and best practice across the Psychology School and for staff supporting our portfolio of programmes.

•  As a member of our Professional Staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework.

• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy and actively championing ED&I.
• 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 one week after the closing date. This will consist of a 15 minute task and a 40 minute interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 2 weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Isabella Badini Confalonieri on

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 range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • 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 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 : 21/09/2025 

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.