Support Technician (Research & Facilities)

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave benefits

Flexible working

Pension scheme

Job summary

The University of Sheffield seeks a capable Laboratory Support Technician to assist Research Laboratories and School Facilities in Chemistry. You will manage analytical instruments, prepare chemicals, and ensure safety and compliance while supporting events and supervising trainees.

Applicants should have GCSEs in English and Maths and a keen interest in Chemistry. Typical duties include data management, equipment maintenance, and collaboration with researchers and staff across the department.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths or equivalent Level 2 qualification.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience supporting laboratories and equipment.
• Good understanding of Chemistry and interest in Analytical Chemistry.
• Effective communication to liaise with staff and students.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to Research laboratories and School Facilities in Chemistry.
• Manage analytical instrumentation, calibration, analysis and equipment maintenance; provide quotes and report results.
• Prepare chemicals, reagents, stock solutions and volumetric solutions with accuracy.
• Troubleshoot non-routine faults and arrange repairs with senior staff if needed.
• Monitor stocks of consumables, equipment and chemicals; ensure safe lab practices.
• Support events including public engagement and outreach activities.
• Supervise trainees and work experience placements under supervision.
• Maintain records and ensure safety, COSHH and waste regulations are followed.

Skills

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Lab support

Chemistry interest

Communication skills

Problem solving

Teamwork

IT skills

Technical registration

Education

GCSEs in English and Maths

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

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 (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Reporting to the Facilities Manager the role is part of a team of Support Technicians who will provide support to the Research Laboratories as well as the School Facilities in Chemistry. The post holder will contribute to the planning, organisation and running of assigned research laboratories. This role will also support Analytical Services and the School Safety Officer as required.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Provide a range of technical support duties for Research laboratories as well as the School Facilities in Chemistry. Prioritise own work within a general plan or schedule to meet deadlines and appropriate standards and assist supervisors and other senior staff in planning future activity.
• Manage analytical instrumentation, calibration, analysis and equipment maintenance. Working with internal and external users of the service. Provide quotes for work, report and interpret results and offer advice when necessary. Conduct testing according to regulations or customer specifications. Providing method development where necessary.
• Managing samples and data for the analytical services according to good laboratory practice and ensuring key data is correctly archived.
• Construct and set up specialised instruments, equipment and apparatus, preparing chemicals, reagents, stock solutions and volumetric solutions with accuracy and dependability. Assist in the testing and calibration of instruments, equipment and apparatus.
• Troubleshoot non-routine faults and provide solutions, undertake / arrange repairs promptly referring to more senior staff if necessary.
• Monitor and plan sufficient stocks of consumables, equipment and chemicals.
• Contribute to the creation and updating of existing protocols and technical support documents as required, including standard operating procedures, H&S documentation (COSHH, risk assessments and waste risk assessments).
• Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant Health and Safety rules and regulations, ensure staff/students safety and good laboratory practice is maintained at all times.
• Carry out laboratory inspections in the research labs ensuring safe lab practice is observed and that lab equipment is in good working order.
• Undertake some electrical / electronic work and carry out safe disposal of waste in accordance with University guidelines and procedures.
• Undertake general laboratory, maintenance and administrative duties as required.
• Assist in providing support for events including public engagement, outreach and pre & post offer visit days.
• Supervise trainees, work experience placements and staff of lower grades under the direction of senior colleagues.
• Assist with the introduction of new experiments and selection of new equipment.
• Provide support across the department including analytical services/facilities.
• Maintain appropriate records for own work area and report breaches of H&S to senior colleagues. Attend all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing and ethical regulations at all times.
• As a member of our Professional staff you will be expected to demonstrate a commitment to the professional behaviours set out in the Sheffield Professional Framework.
• As a member of staff 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.

• GCSE's in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification or equivalent experience. Essential – Application
• Demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience in supporting laboratories and associated equipment. Essential – Application/interview
• Good understanding of Chemistry & an interest in Analytical Chemistry. Essential – Application/interview
• Effective communication skills sufficient to liaise with staff and students when required. Essential – Application/interview
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritise competing demands referring to more senior staff when necessary. Essential – Application/interview
• Ability to analyse and solve non-routine problems with an appreciation of longer term, referring more complex problems to senior staff when necessary. Essential – Application/interview
• Some experience working effectively as part of a team or independently. Essential – Application
• Willing to adapt own skills to new circumstances. Essential – Application/interview
• Flexible approach to work (hours, location, tasks etc.) as required. Essential – Application/interview
• Good IT skills and competence with common software packages such as Microsoft Office. For example, Word, Excel and Powerpoint and the ability to learn new IT systems, software and hardware. Essential – Application/interview
• Technical Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it. Desirable – Application/interview

Further Information

• Grade: 4
• Salary: £25,249 - £26,707
• Work arrangement: Full-time
• Line manager: Facilities Manager
• Direct reports: N/A
• Right to work in the UK: This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.uk.
• Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mps
• For informal enquiries about this job contact Julie Bradley, School Manager: on [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the week commencing 16th November. This will consist of an interview. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can 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 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; integrated with our 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 :09/11/2026

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.