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 Support Technician, you will be a member of the School’s technical community. Ideally, you should have foundation and early career experience across a range of engineering disciplines as the role is multidisciplinary. The aptitude to learn and be adaptable is key for this position. This role will see you assist in the planning, design, manufacture and maintenance of a range of specialist equipment to support internationally recognised research activities. We expect staff to adopt high working standards to ensure the Schools technical team continues to be recognised for its service excellence and exemplary Health and Safety record.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist in the training, set-up, calibration, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

• Assist Senior Technical staff in the daily running of the Laboratories to ensure a safe and efficient working environment.

• Assist in the manufacture and construction of experimental test apparatus/equipment, using a wide range of laboratory and engineering skills in both workshops and laboratories.

• Assist researchers and students to carry out experimental testing across a range of civil and structural engineering materials and collect test data when required. Store and handle data in line with legislation complying with ethical codes of conduct.

• Provide a high standard of customer service.

• Make suggestions for service improvement.

• Maintain and monitor test specimens and conditioning environments.

• Ensure risk assessments and Standard Operating Procedures for equipment are in place and current.

• Thoroughly carry out any additional H&S responsibilities delegated to you by your line manager, understanding and completing technical documentation to ensure compliance.

• Assist with providing technical support for fieldwork projects. This may include installing field/site monitoring equipment, instrumentation and data logging systems. Note – this work will be under the supervision of a senior technician or researcher and involve travel to field sites, the work may occasionally require working outside normal hours and stays in overnight accommodation.

• 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 on 15th June 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 8th June 2026. 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; 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.

Closing Date : 15/06/2026 

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.