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

Working under the direction of the School Technical Manager, you will manage the School’s Helium Liquefier facility, providing technical knowledge and skills, to enable the ongoing operations of the Liquefier.

The facility produces approximately 80,000 liquid litres per annum, which supports the low temperature research in the department. The helium liquefier is a complex process which liquefies recovered helium gas from research laboratories, the liquid is subsequently re-used in low temperature research and the resultant gas is recovered, stored and re-liquefied.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day running of the helium recovery and supply service.
• Enable the continued use of the helium liquefier. To ascertain liquid helium requirements of research groups and to distribute liquid helium and other cryogens as required.
• Manage the billing and financial reporting of the Helium Liquefier Facility.
• To repair cryogenic equipment and advise customers on the safe use of cryogens.
• Provide regular updates on progress of construction/repair to customers, recommending and agreeing any necessary modifications.
• Where required, consult with external organisations to develop solutions and identify suitable materials.
• Undertake repairs and maintenance servicing of apparatus and equipment to ensure its ongoing operation and viability, planning and scheduling general maintenance to equipment and maintaining appropriate levels of stock.
• Contribute to a team that provides manufacturing and repair capability to the department and to National and International research projects.
• Oversee the monitoring of liquid nitrogen levels.
• Maintain and record gas cylinder stocks and order as and when required.
• Lead the schools Pressure Systems Safety Regulations(PSSR) compliance.
• 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 week commencing September 1, 2025. This will consist of an interview with questions to be provided ahead of time. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage shortly 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 hicks-hr@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 41 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:
o    paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
o    support for those going through the menopause
o    paid time off and support for fertility treatment
o    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.