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
This is a fixed-term post designed to provide computational support to the development of the open-source software pipeline TopoStats, and to wider research using Atomic Force Microscopy at the University of Sheffield in the Henry Royce Institute. You will provide guidance to students and researchers in use of open-source Python software and in its development for new applications. In addition, you will work with colleagues to manage general running of the software, including installation support, maintenance, management of issues and engaging with external partners to ensure a fully effective technical support service.
Main duties and responsibilities
- Provide a comprehensive, enthusiastic and high-quality technical service to staff, students and external collaborators using and developing computational analysis tools for atomic force microscopy research.
- Provide advice and guidance on a range of technical issues as required to support research activities and liaise with customers external partners regarding work progress.
- Deliver training and instruction on software to staff and students across the University and to external partners and collaborators.
- Give computational support to staff and students in installation, use and development of research software packages including TopoStats, Napari and AFMReader.
- Provide administrative support; for example, management of issues and discussion pages on GitHub, performing maintenance, writing of standard operating procedures and documentation.
- Contribute to, or write operational guidance documents for computational research software.
- Maintain a detailed awareness of and full commitment to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations (for example, Workplace Health and Safety, COSHH, etc.).
- Undertake continued professional development through attendance at training sessions, events etc.
- 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.
|
Criteria |
Essential or desirable |
Stage(s) assessed at |
|
A degree or certificate of higher education in a scientific or engineering field (or have equivalent work related experience). |
Essential |
Application |
|
Experience of maintaining, repairing and modifying computational research software. |
Essential |
Application |
|
Experience of providing effective and efficient computational technical support. |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
A high standard of communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate to academic, research and technical staff at all levels within the organisation. |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Experience of working collaboratively as part of a wider team or independently when required. |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Ability to devise solutions and develop creative approaches to problem solving. |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Ability to work to tight deadlines and with a high degree of accuracy. |
Essential |
Application/interview |
|
Excellent interpersonal skills with experience of responding efficiently and effectively to deliver operational and strategic goals. |
Essential |
Application/interview |
Further Information
|
Grade |
5 |
|
Salary |
From £27,319 pro-rata |
|
Work arrangement |
Part-time 60% FTE |
|
Duration |
01 January - 31 July 2026 |
|
Line manager |
Dr Tom Catley |
|
Direct reports |
n/a |
|
Our website |
|
|
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Alice Pyne on a.l.pyne@sheffield.ac.uk. |
|
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in November. This will consist of an interview, tour of the building and discussion with the research group. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage as soon as possible 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 a.l.pyne@sheffield.ac.uk.
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
- 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.
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.


