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

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Support Technician to join our Research Group. We are interested in speciation, and this project will use experimental evolution to study divergent adaptation and the evolution of reproductive isolation in populations of rotifers in which the frequency of sex is manipulated.

Duties will include preparation of stock reagents, monitoring/restocking consumables and assisting in the day to day running of the rotifer lab, along with more specialised activity to support the research. This will include, for example, feeding and maintaining rotifer stocks and experimental cultures, assisting with short and long-term experimental evolution assays, making stock solutions along with culture medium preparation.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification. Previous technical experience in an aquatic laboratory (or similar laboratory environment), experience of recording and checking numerical data, and knowledge, understanding and experience of good laboratory practice are essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assist with development of culture methodology of rotifers and feed stocks for maintenance and experiments
• Assist with short and long-term experimental evolution assays, requiring daily and weekly maintenance, sampling, counting, microscopy and data management
• Manage stock cultures, stock solutions, water chemistry, culture medium preparation, and the washing and sterilization of glass/plasticware
• Assist with general wet and molecular laboratory duties as necessary to maintain a clean, safe and efficient laboratory
• Contribute to laboratory stock, ordering plastics and general consumables as required, ensuring a continuous supply. Ensuring adherence to the financial regulations of the University and departmental procedures.
• Assist with maintenance of accurate records
• Communicate and liaise with the PI and other technical staff about project management
• Under direction, provide training of new staff and students, in laboratory techniques used by the technical team.
• Use, write and update Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (CoSHH) forms, Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) under supervision of the senior staff, in line with current practice and legal responsibilities.
• 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 in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 weeks of the advertised closing date (after the University's Christmas and New Year closure period). If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact bioscienceshradmin@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 : 24/12/25 

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.