Technician

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

38 days annual leave (pro rata)

Flexible working (hybrid)

Generous pension scheme

Discounts and rewards on shopping/eat

Staff networks

Job summary

The University of Sheffield seeks a Research Technician to support SITraN’s Friedreich’s ataxia project. You will maintain iPSC cultures, generate iPSC-derived neurons, and support cellular/molecular studies including ICC, fluorescence microscopy and RNA-seq sample prep.

The role involves data collection, record-keeping and teamwork across a multidisciplinary neuroscience lab, with opportunities to develop technical expertise.

Qualifications

• Minimum MSc in Neuroscience or related subject or Honours in Neuroscience or related field.
• Demonstrable experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models.
• Experience working in a collaborative research environment.
• Experience maintaining iPSC cultures and deriving iPSC neurons.
• Desirable: ICC, fluorescence microscopy, RNA extraction and molecular techniques; patch-clamp is a plus.
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to data collection and reports.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support to the PI and lab team.
• Maintain and differentiate iPSC cultures and derive neuronal cell types.
• Perform immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, RNA extraction and molecular biology tasks.
• Assist with RNA-seq sample prep and data handling; ensure quality control.
• Keep accurate lab records and contribute to presentations and publications.
• Collaborate across the team, maintain equipment and ensure safety compliance.

Education

MSc in Neuroscience or related subject

Honours degree in Neuroscience or related subject

Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models

Collaborative team experience

Maintaining iPSC cultures and deriving iPSC neurons

Tools

Immunocytochemistry (ICC)

Fluorescence microscopy

RNA extraction

Molecular biology techniques

Patch-clamp electrophysiology

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.

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed research technician to join the laboratories of Dr Matt Livesey, Prof Dame Pam Shaw and Profs Mead, Hautbergue and Mortiboys at the Sheffield Institute for Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), supporting research into the cellular mechanisms underlying Friedreich’s ataxia (FA). SITraN is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research into neurodegenerative diseases and therapeutic development.

Funded to support an FA research programme, the successful candidate will work closely with a postdoctoral researcher and the wider laboratory team to investigate disease mechanisms and the impact of novel drugs using human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neuronal models. The role will primarily involve the maintenance and generation of iPSC-derived neurons and their use in cellular and molecular studies of FA.

The post holder will also potentially contribute to a range of experimental approaches, which will include iPSC cell culture and potentially extend to supporting immunocytochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, RNA sequencing assays. The role will involve maintaining accurate experimental records, supporting data collection and analysis, and assisting with the optimisation of laboratory protocols and research methods.

We are seeking someone who is organised, motivated and able to work both independently and collaboratively, with an interest in developing their technical expertise within a multidisciplinary neuroscience research environment. Previous experience of iPSC work, iPSC neuronal models or related laboratory techniques would be advantageous.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day technical support to the postdoctoral researcher leading the Friedreich’s ataxia research programme, as well as supporting the wider laboratory team, working collaboratively to deliver research objectives and maintain progress across the programme.
• Maintain, expand and differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) cultures, including the generation and routine maintenance of iPSC-derived neuronal cell types, ensuring consistent quality and reproducibility.
• Undertake a range of supporting laboratory techniques to support research, including immunocytochemistry (ICC), fluorescence microscopy, RNA extraction and molecular biology techniques.
• Support the acquisition of data that can include whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology, assist with RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) experiments, including sample preparation, quality assessment and processing of material.
• Perform routine experimental procedures accurately and reproducibly, identifying technical problems and contributing to their resolution in consultation with the postdoctoral researcher, the wider research team and project supervisors.
• Maintain detailed and accurate laboratory records, experimental data and sample inventories, ensuring appropriate traceability and compliance with relevant procedures.
• Contribute to data collection, analysis and presentation, and assist with preparation of research reports, presentations and publications where appropriate.
• Assist with the development, optimisation and validation of laboratory protocols and procedures to improve the reliability and efficiency of research activities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, reagents and cell culture facilities, including monitoring stocks, undertaking routine equipment checks and ensuring appropriate laboratory housekeeping.
• Work collaboratively with researchers, students and technical colleagues across the laboratory, sharing technical knowledge and providing practical support where appropriate.
• Work in accordance with University policies, health and safety requirements, ethical approvals and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Contribute to research meetings and provide updates on experimental progress and technical activities.
• 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

A minimum of MSc in Neuroscience or related subject, or, Honours degree in Neuroscience or related subject

Essential

Application/interview

Demonstrable experience of working with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) models

Essential

Application/interview

Demonstrable experience in conducting research as part of collaborative team

Essential

Application/interview

Experience in the maintenance of iPSC in culture and the derivation of iPSC neurons

Desirable

Application/interview

Experience in immunocytochemistry (ICC), fluorescence microscopy, RNA extraction and molecular biology techniques

Desirable

Application/interview

Experience in patch-clamp electrophysiology

Desirable

Application/interview

Carry out planning with rest of team to ensure that periodic goals are met.

Essential

Application/interview

Maintain accurate records

Essential

Application/interview

Participating in weekly team meetings

Essential

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

6

Salary

32,080 to £36,636

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

Start: as soon as possible. End date; 27-07-2026

Line manager

Dr Matt Livesey

Direct reports

Dr Matt Livesey

Right to work in the UK

Ineligible roles: If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.

Our website

https://sheffield.ac.uk/sitran

For informal enquiries about this job contact Matt Livesey, Technician – Grade 6: on [e-mail]

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place following the closing date. This will consist of INTERVIEW and PRESENTATION. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing one week after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Dr Matt Livesey.

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.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our Information for candidates page:- sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/candidates (opens in a new window).

Closing Date : 01/11/2026

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.