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

As a Senior Technician you will be an integral member of the Schools Geotechnical & water Engineering Research Group. Based in the central university campus and ICAIR you will collaborate with other team members. You will take the lead role in the operation of specialist laboratory equipment and manufacture components for research activities providing technical expertise to both staff and students. You will also be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the group's laboratories. You will take full responsibility for ensuring that the laboratories continue to be recognised for their service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record. activities and will also provide technical expertise to undergraduate projects, postgraduate projects and other collaborators within the Faculty of Engineering.

You will also carry out a number of other activities to ensure the Laboratories continue to be recognised for its service excellence and outstanding health and safety standards. This will include maintaining the laboratories health & safety documentation as well other health and safety obligations. You will be responsible for and understand how to store and manage data in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. You must be proficient with various office and CAD software.

You will be able to comprehend and analyse technical documentation to effectively perform job duties. Appreciate the significance of providing outstanding customer service to both customers and colleagues, including identifying needs and responding appropriately based on the situation and organisational culture.

Plan, allocate, work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines. Train and advise when required.

Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance. Work independently with efficiency and effectiveness, consistently maintaining an organised workspace and minimising waste.

This is a “hands on role” with responsibility for the development and management of junior staff and, when required, deputise for the Technical Manager / Technical Specialist..

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide a comprehensive and proactive technical service to staff and students across both the School and wider University. This will involve the design, development, installation, commissioning, maintenance, service and repair of experimental components, assemblies and rigs.

• Find solutions to routine and non-routine manufacturing issues as commonly found with a wide range of bespoke work. Define the appropriate processes, techniques, tools, workholding methods, etc to complete the work accurately and efficiently.

• Offering technical expertise across a range of research projects. This will involve responsibility for planning, checking testing procedures, organising testing programs, providing support and managing the day to day operation of the labs for research and teaching activities. Over the Departments multiple facilities e.g. Broad Lane, Mining Block and ICAIR.

• Use a wide range of mechanical workshop techniques including, but not limited to, turning, milling, CNC machining, wire erosion, fitting, assembly, grinding, drilling and computational design packages. Work to high tolerances safely and efficiently whilst demonstrating good understanding of the engineering principles behind process, tool and material choice.

• Undertake design consultations with students and staff in order to realise their ideas or intended outcomes. Critically evaluate technical and non technical drawings to optimise and provide solutions or alternative ideas ensuring the appropriate engineering principals are foremost in the design. Develop solutions with an emphasis on design for in-house manufacture and provide continued advice and support throughout the project lifecycle.

• Ensure a high level of customer service to students, staff and colleagues. Be a proactive team player, making yourself available for meetings, informal chats and presentations where required. Respond promptly to enquiries and promote a positive and supportive working environment.

• Provide advice and mentorship to students, staff and colleagues on a range of technical issues. Develop and deliver technical training to others in the use of machinery, tools, processes and materials. Proactively enable knowledge transfer to all colleagues in the workshop with an emphasis on training and delegating work to junior colleagues as appropriate.

• Leadership for allocating resources, ensuring procedures, processes, quality standards, etc. are followed and that work objectives are met. Demonstrate excellent time management, work scheduling and planning skills. Work with minimal supervision to support the objectives of the team, school and faculty. Supporting the Technical Manager with the daily running of the workshop facility to ensure continued safe and reliable service.

• Carry out maintenance, servicing, modification and repair on a range of instrumentation and equipment ensuring failures and breakdowns have limited impact upon day-to-day research activities. Liaise with equipment suppliers and engineers to arrange more sophisticated repairs as required. Connect with relevant collaborators to ensure equipment failures are known and that timescales for repair are made clear.

• Specify and procure materials, equipment and services for teaching, research and maintenance related projects. Use SAP to carry out the requisition, ordering and goods receipting of these purchases ensuring alignment with the University’s Financial Regulations. Provide quotes and costings for materials and equipment in relation to research bids.

• Maintain a detailed awareness and full dedication to the relevant health and safety rules and regulations. Ensure that all staff and students work to high standards of health and safety. Provide timely safety information and updates to staff, students and visitors. Carry out and document Risk, CoSHH and any other H&S related assessments on student and staff activities. Maintain and manage H&S documentation and training record data according to legislation and University policy. Liaise with the School Safety Officer(s) to ensure full compliance with both legislation and University policy.

• 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 consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10th August. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Katie Bell (kathrine.bell@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

  • 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.

Closing Date : 27/07/2026 

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.