Support Technician: Education (Molecular Bioscience)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Sheffield is seeking a technician for the School of Biosciences to provide practical support for teaching labs. Responsibilities include preparing materials, maintaining laboratory standards, and assisting in various biological techniques. Essential qualifications include GCSE grading in English and Maths, and experience with DNA extraction, PCR and other laboratory processes. This role offers a commitment to development and a strong community culture.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Flexible working opportunities

Wide range of retail discounts

Access to learning and mentoring schemes

Family-friendly policies

Qualifications

• Skills and experience in media preparation and buffer making.
• Experience in DNA extraction and PCR techniques.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students and staff.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials for laboratory classes and teaching activities.
• Set up and clear away equipment and reagents for classes.
• Liaise with technical team for resource requirements.

Skills

Media preparation

Buffer preparation

DNA extraction

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Microscopy

Microbial culture

Sterile technique

Cell extract preparation

Effective communication

Education

Minimum GCSE grade in English and Maths

Job description

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 and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

The School of Biosciences is looking to recruit a talented technician who will strengthen our skill base in the support of practical teaching in the Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate Taught (PGT) Laboratories. The breadth of activity in the School includes fieldwork, plant biology, ecology, cell biology, developmental biology, physiology, neuroscience, genetics, biochemistry and microbiology. We are seeking individuals to work within our diverse team of technicians, to ensure excellent practical teaching support across the School. The role will primarily support the Schools molecular biology programmes, but you will also assist with other practical teaching support across the School. The role involves all aspects of laboratory operations including sample preparation, laboratory setup, equipment maintenance, housekeeping, record keeping and health and safety activities.

Applicants must have minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or equivalent vocational experience along with skills and experience in the following: media, buffer and solution preparation; DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis; microscopy; microbial culture and sterile technique; protein handling and cell extract preparation.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare and aliquot materials for laboratory classes or other teaching activities as required, including but not limited to media, solutions and buffers; yeast and bacterial cultures; mammalian cell culture; model organisms; DNA, plasmids and PCR; electrophoresis gels; cell extracts; proteins and enzymes; plants; invertebrates; field equipment; first aid supplies.
• Carry out the set up, clear away and re-storage of reagents and equipment for classes, open days and any other teaching lab use. Includes maintenance and calibration of equipment, waste handling, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and order in the laboratories.
• Liaise with other members of the technical team to determine equipment, materials, IT and any other resource requirements across the teaching labs, and ensure everything is prepared in a timely manner. Includes stock checking, ordering, planning, inventorying and appropriate storage of materials.
• Prioritise own work to meet deadlines and appropriate standards, and assist senior staff in planning for future work.
• Train and supervise junior members of staff in procedures, techniques and instrumentation.
• Maintain information, records, databases and documentation, to ensure accuracy, efficiency and business continuity.
• Understand, promote and apply relevant COSHH/risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols, ensuring correct 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.
• 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.

Criteria

Essential Or Desirable

• Stage(s) assessed at: Minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification, or equivalent vocational experience.
• Essential – Application/interview – Skills and experience in media, buffer and solution preparation; DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis; microscopy; microbial culture and sterile technique; protein handling and cell extract preparation.
• Essential – Application/interview – Skills and experience in any of the following: cell culture; model organisms and developmental biology; pharmacology; physiology; plant and invertebrate husbandry; ecology; fieldwork.
• Desirable – Application/interview – Experience of providing laboratory technical support.
• Desirable – Application/interview – Understanding and application of Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices.
• Essential – Application/interview – Effective communication with colleagues, students and staff, to identify and understand their needs.
• Essential – Application/interview – Understand how to follow correct procedures and instructions in order to achieve compliance against statutory regulations.
• Essential – Application/interview – Ability to identify problems and follow suitable escalation routes.
• Essential – Application/interview – Adaptable to the demands of the role and changes in workflow, planning and organising routine tasks.
• Essential – Application/interview – Ability and willingness to engage in relevant training.
• Essential – Application/interview – Technical Professional Registration or willingness to work towards it.

Further Information

Grade: 4

Salary: £25,249 - £26,707 per annum with the potential to progress to £28,778

Work arrangement: Full-time

Duration: Permanent, available immediately

Line manager: Senior Technician

Direct reports: None

Our website: School of Biosciences

For informal enquiries about this job contact Melanie Hannah (Technical Manager) 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. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the 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.

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.

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: 24/10/2025

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 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.