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

Reporting to the Technical Manager (Chemistry teaching) the role is part of a team of Support Technicians who will principally provide support to the Teaching Laboratories with some support for Research and the School Facilities. 

The post holder will contribute to the planning, organisation and running of assigned teaching laboratories. This role will also support Analytical Services and the School Safety Officer as required.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide a range of technical support duties for Teaching laboratories with some support for Research and the School Facilities in Chemistry. Prioritise own work within a general plan or schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist supervisors and other senior staff in planning future activity.

• Provide some instruction, advice and assistance on associated specialised teaching instruments, equipment and apparatus as required to students, demonstrators and staff, knowing when to escalate to senior colleagues.

• Construct and set up specialised instruments, equipment and apparatus, preparing chemicals, reagents, stock solutions and volumetric solutions with accuracy and dependability. Assist in the testing and calibration of instruments, equipment and apparatus.

•  Troubleshoot non-routine faults with equipment and software and provide solutions, undertake / arrange repairs promptly referring to more senior staff if necessary.

• Monitor and plan sufficient stocks of consumables, equipment and chemicals.

• Contribute to the writing of new and update existing protocols and technical support documents as required, including standard operating procedures, H&S documentation (COSHH, risk assessments and waste risk assessments).

•  Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations, ensure staff/students safety and good laboratory practice is maintained at all times.

• Undertake general laboratory, maintenance and administrative duties as required.

• Assist in providing support for events including public engagement, outreach and pre & post offer visit days.

• Deliver technical training to others in the use of materials/equipment/tools and processes to meet the needs of the audience

• Maintain appropriate records for own work area and report breaches of H&S to senior colleagues. Attend all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing and ethical regulations at all times.

• 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 into your working activities wherever possible.

• 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.

Essential criteria

• GCSE’s in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience. Application

• Demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience in supporting teaching laboratories and associated equipment.  Application / Interview

• Interpersonal and communication skills sufficient to liaise with staff and students when required. Application / Interview

• Excellent customer service skills, dealing with frontline enquiries efficiently and effectively with the utmost professionalism. Application / Interview

• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands referring to more senior staff when necessary. Application / Interview

• Willingness to analyse and solve problems with an appreciation of longer term  referring more complex problems to senior staff when necessary. Application / Interview

• Some experience working effectively  as part of a team or independently. Application / Interview

• Willing to adapt own skills to new circumstances. Application / Interview

• Willingness to learn new skills and techniques and to embrace change positively. Application

• Flexible approach to work (hours, location, tasks etc.) and able to accommodate Teaching Laboratory Class hours as required. Application / Interview

• Good IT skills and competence with common software packages such as Microsoft Office. For example, Word, Excel and Powerpoint and the ability to learn new IT systems, software and hardware. Application / Interview

Further Information

Grade: 4

Salary: £25,249 - £26,707 per annum. 

Work arrangement: 35 Hours per week 

Duration: open ended

Line manager: Technical Manager (CHM Teach)

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/mps

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Kirsty Wallace, Staffing and Contracts Officer: on mps-hr@sheffield.ac.uk 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in March 2026.  This will consist of an interview . We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the closing date. Contact Kirsty Wallace 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 Professional Services Shared Skills Framework. 

• 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.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

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.