Technician: Research (Genomics)

Diversity Dashboard; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Generous pension scheme

Staff discounts

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a skilled Research Technician to support a project in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology cluster. You will carry out molecular biology experiments, prepare genomic libraries, and help automate workflows while maintaining good records and working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

The role requires hands-on experience in basic molecular techniques, library preparation for high-throughput sequencing, and strong organisational skills.

Qualifications

• Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) in Biology or a related field.
• Experience in basic molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR).
• Experience with DNA or RNA library preparation for high-throughput sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology procedures (e.g., DNA extraction).
• Generate genomic libraries for high-throughput sequencing.
• Automate high-throughput molecular and genomic workflows.

Skills

Level 3 Biology qualification

Molecular biology

DNA/RNA library prep

Protocol following

Organisational skills

Record keeping

Independent work

Problem solving

Training others

Lab automation

Education

Level 3 Biology qualification

Tools

Laboratory automation

Robotic platforms

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

We are seeking to appoint a skilled and motivated Research Technician to work in the laboratory of Dr. Luke Dunning, at the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology cluster in the School of Biosciences. You will join a research group of evolutionary geneticists who want to understand how organisms adapt to their environment.

You will bring your expertise in molecular biology and genomics to an ambitious interdisciplinary project funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA), investigating how we can accelerate the adaptation of marram grass to build bigger, stronger and more climate-resilient coastal dunes.

Applicants must have equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in Biology or another relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description along with experience of basic molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR) . Experience of DNA or RNA library preparation for high-throughput sequencing and the ability to work as part of a group and independently, and to have excellent organisational, communication and time-management skills are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Perform a range of molecular biology procedures (e.g. DNA extraction)
• Generate genomic libraries for high throughput sequencing
• Automation of high-throughput molecular and genomic workflows
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and tidy records of research work.
• Prioritise your own workload to meet the research project deadlines.
• Provide regular updates on project progress
• Attend all required safety and training courses, and comply with required safety, licensing and ethical regulations at all times.
• Assist in the preparation of supporting documents, such as posters, papers, reports and grant applications as required.
• Be able to quickly adapt and transfer skills to new technology and innovations and to work flexibly across laboratories and sites as required.
• Take responsibility for self-development and on the job learning; keeping abreast of developments in techniques and technology.
• 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.

Criteria

• Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in Biology or another relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description
• Experience of basic molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR)
• Experience of DNA or RNA library preparation for high-throughput sequencing.
• Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols and work accurately within a planned experimental design
• Strong organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to maintain accurate, comprehensive and reproducible experimental records, including electronic or laboratory-based record keeping
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team
• Proven problem solving skills with the ability to use appropriate diagnostic methods and techniques to effectively deal with technical problems within the limits of responsibility
• Ability to train other members of the research group in molecular techniques, communicating technical information clearly and succinctly in a variety of methods, for example verbally orin presentation or written format
• Experience of using laboratory automation and robotic platforms

Further Information

• Grade: 5
• Salary: £27,319 - £28,778 per annum
• Work arrangement: Full-time (35 hours per week)
• Duration: Fixed-term for a period of 22 months from 1 November 2026 to 31 August 2028
• Line manager: Senior Lecturer / PI
• Direct reports: None
• 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: School of Biosciences
• For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Luke Dunning (Senior Lecturer / PI) 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. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection 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 you can Contact [e-mail] if you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments.

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; 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 :06/10/2026

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.