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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

Prof Julie Gray and Dr Stuart Casson in the School of Biosciences are looking to appoint a Technician to join a BBSRC funded project investigating the molecular basis of heat and drought stress tolerance in rice crops. You will work alongside and support a post-doctoral researcher employed on the project, which also involves collaboration with researchers at the Universities of Penn State in USA, and Wurzburg in Germany, and the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.

Our objective is to understand abiotic stress tolerance in traditional rice cultivars through studying genetic variations associated with growth in hot or dry environments. To explore whether these genetic variations can confer climate resilience we will compare the physiology and yield of multiple cultivars in carefully controlled environments and in also in field trials. We will test the function of our target genes by genetically manipulating their expression.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in a biological science related subject, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description with experience of plant and crop physiology and ideally molecular biology. You will have excellent organisational, communication and record-keeping skills and be able to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly, for example verbally or in presentation or written format.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assisting with laboratory experiments.

• Growth, maintenance, physiological, cellular and yield analysis of experimental plant material.

• Measuring plant water use by regular pot weighing. 

• Harvesting and weighing seed and vegetative material.

• Tissue collection and molecular and biochemical analysis of plant material.

• Maintain accurate and reliable written and electronic records of obtained data.

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

• Facilitating the smooth running of the research group.

• Assisting with writing-up experimental results, analysing results and preparing figures. 

• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines.

• Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance.

• Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and 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 in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. 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 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.

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.