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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 for a highly motivated and organised Research Technician to support lab and field work to be undertaken in a large Royal Society-funded project. Through this research, we are investigating the function, regulation, and ecology of diverse mycorrhizal fungi and the networks they form. The project will explore how diverse mycorrhizal fungi influence plant physiology, nutrition, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, with applications in both natural and agricultural systems. The research will combine laboratory, field, and controlled-environment approaches to uncover how fungal networks operate and influence plants and soils. You will be an essential member of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including Professor Katie Field, Jurriaan Ton, Gareth Phoenix and Dylan Childs at the University of Sheffield, Dr Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum, London, and Professor David Johnson at Lancaster University.

The Research Technician will join the collaborative research lab of Professor Katie Field within the Plants, Photosynthesis, and Soil research cluster in the School of Biosciences. The Research Technician will work closely with the project investigator team and research staff, helping to deliver high-quality, impactful science. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that explores biodiversity from the molecular to the landscape scale, as well as opportunity to develop new skills and gain experience in plant-soil interactions while contributing to cutting-edge, collaborative research.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description along with an excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation. Excellent communication skills to be able to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly to a wide variety of stakeholders, in a variety of methods, for example verbally or in presentation or written format are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide assistance and support in molecular and biochemical studies of plant-fungal interactions
• Processing and analysis of samples, data entry and storage

• Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance.
• Collect, and organise experimental data, supporting decision-making and project delivery.

• Maintain accurate and reliable electronic records of obtained data.
• Support the day-to-day running of the research laboratory, including ordering, routine maintenance of equipment, consumables, stocks, etc., ensuring a safe, efficient, and inclusive working environment.
• Support technical maintenance of laboratory equipment and undertake routine maintenance tasks.
• Support researchers and students by providing technical expertise, guidance in the use of laboratory equipment, materials, and processes.
• Support the development of sustainable laboratory practices to minimise waste and environmental impact.
• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
• Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance
• Contribute to team-wide problem solving, applying critical thinking and collaborative approaches.
• Attend and actively participate in project meetings and research group meetings.
• Take responsibility for self-development and on the job learning; keeping abreast of developments in techniques and technology.
• 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 December 2025. This will consist of an interview and a tour of the lab and relevant facilities. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within 2 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 : 03/12/2025 

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.