Technician: Research (Plant-fungal Interactions)

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sheffield is seeking a motivated Research Technician to support investigations into mycorrhizal fungi. This role involves lab and field work, contributing to research with implications for biodiversity and ecosystem function. Candidates should have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field and excellent communication skills to convey technical information effectively. This position offers a chance to work within a diverse, multidisciplinary team engaged in cutting-edge research.

Qualifications

• Proven vocational skills in line with the job description.
• Understanding of data storage and handling legislation.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Support lab and field work for research on mycorrhizal fungi.
• Contribute to biodiversity research at molecular and landscape scales.
• Work within a multidisciplinary team of scientists.

Skills

Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level)

Excellent communication skills

Education

Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in a relevant field

Job description

University of Sheffield

We are looking for a highly motivated and organised Research Technician to support the lab and field work undertaken in a large Royal Society-funded project. Through this research, we are investigating the function, regulation, and ecology of diverse mycorrhizal fungi and the networks they form. The project will explore how diverse mycorrhizal fungi influence plant physiology, nutrition, biodiversity, and ecosystem function, with applications in both natural and agricultural systems. The research will combine laboratory, field, and controlled-environment approaches to uncover how fungal networks operate and influence plants and soils. You will be an essential member of a multidisciplinary team of scientists, including Professor Katie Field, Jurriaan Ton, Gareth Phoenix and Dylan Childs at the University of Sheffield, Dr Silvia Pressel at the Natural History Museum, London, and Professor David Johnson at Lancaster University.

The Research Technician will join the collaborative research lab of Professor Katie Field within the Plants, Photosynthesis, and Soil research cluster in the School of Biosciences. The Research Technician will work closely with the project investigator team and research staff, helping to deliver high-quality, impactful science. The role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that explores biodiversity from the molecular to the landscape scale, as well as opportunity to develop new skills and gain experience in plant-soil interactions while contributing to cutting-edge, collaborative research.

Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description along with an excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation. 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 are also essential.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.