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 Senior Technician: Research you will work within a team providing support to Facilities, and specific instrumentation that is a responsibility of the research team, ensuring researchers have the equipment/resources needed for their activities, providing training, specialist advice and solving complex problems.

Applicants must have minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience along with current theoretical and practical knowledge of analytical chemistry for example chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry. Experience of sample preparation for mass spectrometry analysis and protein / metabolite biochemistry and associated methods are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide technical support to facilities as appropriate and in liaison with the Senior Technician: Research ensuring all tasks are completed to a high standard. 
• Provide specialist instrumentation support, including training, operation, running samples, demonstrating, and troubleshooting. 
• Applied knowledge and understanding of at least one area of the instrumentation that the team are responsible for, in this case the role will be substantively supporting the Mass Spectrometry Facility and experience of this would be an advantage, particularly in relation to biological samples. 
• Record and analyse research data and present findings accurately. 
• Plan and organise routine work, and be responsive to non-routine work 
• Carry out training for staff and students to safely operate more complex and specialised equipment, for example handling cryogenic materials. 
• Participation in regular reviews of Research team activity within the Technical Operations team to analyse instrument use records, and propose improvements to services. 
• Knowledge of the local safety requirements including training records and maintaining competency. 
• Follow standard operating procedures, relating to induction and training for all users and instruments and ensure records of these are kept. 
• Contribute to the development of a quality system including service level agreement, standard operating procedures and training competency records in this area. 
• Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols ensuring procedures are followed at all times 
• Actively contribute to a culture in the School of Biosciences where all staff and students are treated fairly, feel welcome, and can flourish professionally or academically. 
• 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.

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 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 : 04/08/2026 

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.