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 technician to work in Dr Nicola Hemmings’ Reproductive Biology and Physiology Group at the University of Sheffield. The role will support multidisciplinary projects including laboratory analysis and field-based research. Our research focuses on questions in ecological, evolutionary, and conservation biology, with particular emphasis on factors that negatively impact reproductive success in wild animals. We have exceptional expertise in microscopy, fertility analysis, and environmental contaminant analysis.

Your role will include supporting the extraction and identification of microplastics and other environmental contaminants from diverse biological samples, using advanced microscopy and bioimaging to characterise samples, maintaining rigorous standards for data collection, curation, and preliminary analysis, and helping communicate the research team’s work to academic and non-academic audiences.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) or above in a relevant field such as evolutionary biology or reproductive biology, along with excellent practical and theoretical knowledge and recent experience of wet lab protocols, microscopy, contaminant analysis, laboratory health and safety, managing tasks in both lab and field environments, and proven ability to collect and manage complex data.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Process biological samples, including egg dissection and preparation of egg contents for microscopic analysis.

• Execute complex extraction protocols (e.g., density separation, chemical digestion) to isolate contaminants including microplastic from biological samples.

• Conduct routine and advanced microscopy to examine biological samples and identify contaminants where relevant.

• Oversee the intake, labelling, and storage of biological and environmental samples.

• Ensure the laboratory remains a safe, clean, and inclusive workspace, including monitoring consumable stocks and calibrating equipment.

• Assist in monitoring and recording data on species behaviour and ecological interactions in accordance with project protocols where needed.

• Collect and examine environmental samples while maintaining rigorous contamination-control measures.

• Collect, input, clean, and organise raw data into centralised databases, ensuring metadata is complete and accessible.

• Assist the research team with statistical data processing and visualisation.

• Contribute to report writing, for example by drafting methodology sections and adding reflective insights for results sections.

• Support the research team’s science communication and public engagement efforts by assisting with the creation of photographic and film material. 

• Participate in regular research team meetings to share progress, troubleshoot technical hurdles, and refine workflows, as well as attending relevant research seminars and training courses.

• 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. This will consist of a 30-minute interview. 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

  • access to menopause support in the workplace

  • 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.

Closing Date : 13/05/2026 

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.