Technician: Research (Genomics)

Dunhillmedical; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working opportunities

Generous annual leave

Pensions scheme

Job summary

The University of Sheffield is seeking a skilled Research Technician (Genomics) to join the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology cluster. You will apply molecular biology and genomics to an ARIA-funded project on coastal dune adaptation, working within a multidisciplinary team.

You will perform DNA extraction, library preparation for sequencing, and support automation while maintaining meticulous records and contributing to broader project outputs.

Qualifications

• Experience with 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 design.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology procedures (e.g., DNA extraction).
• Generate genomic libraries for high-throughput sequencing.
• Automate high-throughput molecular and genomic workflows.
• Maintain comprehensive, accurate and tidy research records.
• Prioritise workload to meet project deadlines.
• Provide regular updates on project progress.
• Attend safety and training courses and comply with safety and ethical regulations.
• Assist in preparing posters, papers, reports and grant applications.
• Adapt to new technology and collaborate across laboratories and sites.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

DNA extraction

PCR

Library preparation (DNA/RNA)

Lab automation

Time management

Education

Level 3 Biology qualification (BTEC/A Level)

Tools

Laboratory automation

Robotic platforms

Job description

Job Title: Technician: Research (Genomics)

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

Stage(s) assessed at

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

Application/interview

Experience of basic molecular biology techniques (DNA extraction, PCR)

Application/interview

Experience of DNA or RNA library preparation for high-throughput sequencing.

Application/interview

Ability to follow detailed experimental protocols and work accurately within a planned experimental design

Application/interview

Strong organisational and time-management skills

Application/interview

Ability to maintain accurate, comprehensive and reproducible experimental records, including electronic or laboratory-based record keeping

Application/interview

Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary research team

Application/interview

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

Application/interview

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

Application/interview

Experience of using laboratory automation and robotic platforms

Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

5

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

None

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

The University of Sheffield
Western Bank
Sheffield
S10 2TN
[phone]