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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

We are looking to appoint a Technician to join the research group led by Professor Ivana Barbaric. This work is part of a Medical Research Council (MRC)-funded project investigating genetic changes in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that may affect the safety and efficacy of cell therapy. The successful applicant will provide high-level technical support for routine hPSC culture and differentiation, preparation of samples and analysis. You will take responsibility for daily lab management, ensuring a safe and efficient research environment.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to a Level 4 or 5 qualification (e.g., HNC/HND/Higher Apprenticeship) in a relevant biological field, or equivalent substantial vocational experience along with previous experience working in a research laboratory. Experience of culturing mammalian cells and proficiency in molecular biology techniques (e.g., RNA extraction, qPCR) and/or microscopy are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Perform investigations and experimentation using appropriate tools and methods, specifically the routine culture, differentiation, and harvesting of various hPSC cell lines.
• Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out cell culture and time-critical experiments, ensuring the continuity and integrity of long-term research projects.
• Evaluate scientific data from immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and qPCR; calling attention to any anomalies and presenting findings clearly to the research team.
• Take responsibility for the quality of work and of the lab environment, including stock maintenance, reagent purchasing.
• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines.
• Use diagnostic methods and technical knowledge to identify and resolve problems within the limits of responsibility, ensuring minimal waste and workplace organisation.
• Deliver technical training and "best practice" guidance to undergraduate/MSc students and other group members in the use of lab materials and equipment.
• Plan and organise routine work and be responsive to non-routine work demands, working with minimal supervision to meet project deadlines.
• Communicate technical information succinctly to a variety of stakeholders and contribute to the group’s wider dissemination of research through outreach activities.
• Attend all required safety and training courses, complying with ethical practice and codes of conduct, and show a commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).
• Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste.
• 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 are 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 closing date. Contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk if you are shortlisted for an interview and require any reasonable adjustments.

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.
• 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 : 17/04/2026 

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.