Senior Technician: Research (Genomics Facility)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Salary above national average

Job summary

The University of Sheffield's Genomics Facility seeks a Senior Research Laboratory Technician to provide expert molecular and genomic support, training, and leadership. You will drive innovation in sequencing, data analysis (R), and protocol development, while mentoring junior staff and maintaining high-quality lab operations.

You will work on next-generation sequencing, library prep, SNP typing, and develop bespoke protocols, with a focus on environmental and genomic research.

Qualifications

• Theoretical understanding and practical experience of molecular ecology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, SNP genotyping.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing, library preparation and SNP typing.
• Excellent IT skills with Google apps, Windows, Office, Excel; familiarity with HPC and Linux command line.
• Bioinformatics skills to enable experimental design and sequence data/statistical analyses (R) using facility pipelines.
• Ability to develop and teach techniques and supervise others in the lab.
• Ability to develop and perform R&D NGS projects that benefit the facility.
• Ability to write new protocols and publish annotated figures for dissemination.
• Ability to train and mentor new laboratory appointments at lower technical grades.
• Desirable: recognise new developments in NGS hardware and methods.

Responsibilities

• Act as a primary technical expert, advising Facility users on molecular ecology projects and NGS applications.
• Deliver and design technical training and support in advanced molecular/genomic techniques.
• Lead identification, evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge tools and methodologies.
• Develop/write novel laboratory protocols and share best practices on platforms like Protocols.io.
• Perform complex investigations to optimise existing techniques and establish new ones.
• Independently perform challenging molecular analyses and data interpretation.
• Ensure day-to-day lab operations and stock management in the Lab Manager's absence.
• Provide expert advice on NGS and data analysis in meetings and collaborations.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to QA processes across the Facility.
• Work with autonomy, align with strategic priorities, and manage time/workflow efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, CoSHH, waste disposal and other procedures.

Skills

NGS techniques

PCR/qPCR

R scripting

Data analysis

Training & mentoring

Linux command line

Bioinformatics

Education

Biological Science degree

Tools

Protocols.io

Linux HPC

Job description

Overview

A highly skilled and experienced Senior Research Laboratory Technician is sought for the Genomics Facility in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. The Senior Technician will be instrumental in performing complex laboratory analyses for Facility users, providing expert training to other members of the team, and driving innovation in cutting‑edge molecular and genomic techniques. The Facility is dedicated to advancing research in environmental, ecological, and evolutionary biology, leveraging exceptional expertise in genome sequencing, marker analysis, population genomics, metabarcoding, and environmental DNA (eDNA) detection and interpretation.

Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Act as a primary technical expert, offering sophisticated advice and intellectual input to Facility users, and colleagues working on complex molecular ecology projects, particularly regarding next‑generation sequencing applications.
• Deliver and design comprehensive technical training and support in advanced molecular and genomic techniques to Facility users.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of cutting‑edge next‑generation molecular and genomic tools and methodologies, ensuring the Facility remains at the forefront of research capabilities. This includes:
• Developing and refining novel laboratory protocols and writing and submitting them to platforms such as Protocols.io to disseminate best practice.
• Performing complex investigations and experimentation to optimise existing techniques and establish new ones.
• Independently perform challenging molecular analyses, including the processing of large numbers of samples and subsequent data analysis using Facility pipelines. The technician needs to be able to identify and, where necessary, develop appropriate bespoke protocols.
• Take significant responsibility for the day‑to‑day operational running of the laboratory including, but not restricted to, ensuring the laboratory is fully stocked with consumables and supplies as required, particularly during the Laboratory Manager's absence.
• Proactively identify and resolve routine and non‑routine technical problems, applying advanced diagnostic methods and contributing to solutions for complex issues.
• Critically evaluate methodologies, results, and problems, assessing their implications for ongoing research and laboratory efficiency and sustainability.
• Regularly provide expert technical advice and insights on next‑generation sequencing and associated data analysis techniques during lab meetings and other collaborative forums, contributing to strategic discussions and problem‑solving.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records in accordance with University data storage protocols and contribute to the development and implementation of quality assurance processes across the Facility.
• Exercise a high degree of autonomy in day‑to‑day planning and organisation of work, aligning with strategic priorities agreed with the facility director, and demonstrating exceptional time management and workflow efficiency.
• Understand and ensure rigorous compliance with all Health & Safety, CoSHH risk assessments, waste disposal issues, and other relevant statutory, quality, and environmental compliance procedures/systems within the area of responsibility.
• Actively engage in continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of current technologies, attending advanced training sessions and seminars, and critically reviewing relevant scientific literature to enhance expertise and contribute to the Facility's knowledge base.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post, contributing to the overall success and reputation of the NERC Environmental 'Omics visitor facility.

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.

Criteria

Essential or desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

Experience equivalent to Level 6 (Degree) qualification in Biological Science, with proven vocational skills.

Essential

Application

A theoretical understanding and significant practical experience of carrying out and trouble‑shooting challenging Molecular Ecology techniques, such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, SNP genotyping.

Essential

Application and Interview

Specific theoretical and practical experience of next‑generation sequencing, library preparation and SNP typing.

Essential

Application and Interview

Excellent IT skills (Google software, Windows, Office, Excel) and familiarity with accessing high‑performance computing (e.g. including the use of command lines in Linux).

Essential

Application and Interview

Bioinformatic skills sufficient to enable molecular experimental design and to undertake sequence data and statistical analyses (in R) using Facility pipelines.

Essential

Application and Interview

Ability to develop and teach techniques and supervise others in the lab.

Essential

Interview

Ability to develop and perform R&D next‑generation sequencing projects that will benefit the facility.

Essential

Application and Interview

Ability to produce oral or written reports such as new protocols which can be adopted by other lab users and the wider community (i.e. by publishing on Protocols i.o.) and annotated figures that summarise results suitable for publication.

Essential

Application and Interview

Ability to train and mentor new laboratory appointments made at lower technical grades e.g. G5.

Essential

Interview

Ability to recognise new developments, hardware and technical advances in next‑generation sequencing that might benefit the facility

Desirable

Interview

Further Information

Grade

6

Salary

£32,722 - £37,369 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Duration

Fixed-term for 3 years, available immediately

Line manager

Chair in Molecular Ecology

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences

Genomics Laboratory Facility

For informal enquiries about this job contact Terry Burke (Chair in Molecular Ecology) at [e-mail]

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 an interview including a short presentation. 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 [e-mail].

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 38days 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 :10/11/2026

The University of Sheffield is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our staff and students. It is an offence to apply for this role if you have been barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children. Applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding checks in line with the requirements of each role and the guidance from the Department for Education.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):

• Childcare disqualification
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Medical
• Online and social media
• Eligibility to work
• Satisfactory references
• Suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Safeguarding policy

Employment of ex-offenders policy