Technician: Research

The University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent university in Sheffield seeks a Technician to support a climate research project. Responsibilities include soil analysis preparation, data management, and compliance with health and safety regulations. Candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field and demonstrate excellent communication skills. This role offers flexible working opportunities and a generous benefits package including annual leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

38 days annual leave including bank holidays

Flexible working opportunities

Generous pension scheme

Wide range of discounts and rewards

Recognition awards

Qualifications

• Practical application of technical and scientific principles.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Understanding of quality and environmental compliance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare soils for analysis including air-drying, crushing, sieving.
• Maintain accurate records of obtained data.
• Deliver technical training to others on equipment and procedures.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Technical and scientific principles

Data management

Planning techniques

Education

Level 3 qualification in relevant field

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, a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Overview

In this Cascade Climate-funded project, we are assessing the role of enhanced rock weathering (EW) as a scalable strategy for CO2 removal (CDR) from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change while also reducing ocean acidification. EW involves amending cropland soils with crushed basalt rock to accelerate the low temperature dissolution of the associated minerals and carbon capture. In this project, we will attempt to characterise the minerals that are formed at different depths of the soil profile as a result of EW.

We are looking for a talented and dedicated Technician to join a vibrant team of researchers to assist with soil nutrient and mineralogical analyses and manage our international collections of soil samples with our partner institutes and analytical laboratories. This is an ideal opportunity to join international research programme bridging across disciplines between soil science, analytical chemistry, and geobiology.

Main Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare soils for analysis including air-drying, oven-drying, crushing, sieving
• Weigh soils to appropriate standards
• Clearly dispense soil samples into appropriate containers (tubes, ziplock bags) and label appropriately (Sample name, Date, Project).
• Maintain Excel spreadsheet listing all analysed soil samples or soil samples in the analytical pipeline.
• Perform soil analyses after training following written protocols with all steps described in detail – these would include soil pH measurements, taking spectral readings using Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, exchangeable cations, soil digests to liquid.
• Preparing parcels and sending of samples for analyses when necessary
• Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
• Maintain accurate and reliable electronic records of obtained data.
• Deliver technical training to others in the use of materials/equipment/tools and processes to meet the needs of the audience
• Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance
• Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance
• 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.

Criteria

Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description

Practical application of appropriate technical and scientific principles

Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance

Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance

Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste

Theoretical understanding of scientific principles

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

Knowledge of planning techniques, time management, workflow, work scheduling, work plans, documents, including record keeping

Excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation

Understanding of relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures / systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations

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
• 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