Job Description

Job Title:

Technician: Research (Molecular Biology)

Posting Start Date:

07/11/2025

Job Id:

1806

School/Department:

Biosciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

27,319 - 28,778 per annum (pro rata)

Closing Date:

07/12/2025
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

Dr Stuart Casson, Dr Dan Bose and Prof Julie Gray in the School of Biosciences are looking to appoint a talented and dedicated Technician to join a BBSRC funded project investigating carbon dioxide signaling in the plants. You will work alongside and support a post-doctoral researcher who is also employed on the project, which also involves collaboration with researchers at the Universities of Bath and Bristol.



Understanding the impact of global increases in atmospheric CO2 concentration [CO2] on crops is a key global research objective. We have found that a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has a major role to play in the response of stomata and other leaf cells to increasing [CO2]. Our discovery is completely novel and opens up a new avenue of research investigation into the regulation of CO2 driven processes.



Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in a biological science related subject, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description with experience of molecular biology and ideally plant biology. You will have excellent organisational, communication and record-keeping skills and be able to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly, for example verbally or in presentation or written format.

Main duties and responsibilities

Assisting with laboratory experiments. Growth, maintenance, and analysis of experimental plant material. Tissue collection and molecular and biochemical analysis of plant material. Maintain accurate and reliable written and 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. Facilitating the smooth running of the research group. Assisting with writing-up experimental results, analysing results and preparing figures. Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines. 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. 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

Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in a biological science related subject, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description


Essential


Application


Experience in molecular biology


Essential


Application/interview


Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress laboratory work activities


Essential


Application/interview


Experience of working within a research team and aligning the day-to-day work and goals of the team with research objectives


Essential


Application/interview


Ability to work with computer software, scientific databases and online resources


Essential


Application/interview


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


Essential


Application/interview


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


Essential


Application/interview


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


Essential


Application/interview


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


Essential


Application/Interview


Have laboratory experience with plant research


Desirable


Application/interview


Knowledge of relevant Health & Safety systems, policies, and legislation for laboratory work including working with genetically modified organisms


Desirable


Application/interview

Further Information

Grade

5

Salary

27,319 - 28,778 per annum, pro rata

Work arrangement

Part-time (17.5 hours per week) / Flexible working pattern considered in line with business need and work demands

Duration

Fixed-term to 31 July 2028

Line manager

Senior lecturer

Direct reports

Dr Stuart Casson

Our website

School of Biosciences


For informal enquiries about this job contact Dr Stuart Casson (Principal Investigator) at s.casson@sheffield.ac.uk

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, tour of the lab and informal meeting with colleagues. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage 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 please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().

What we offer

A minimum of 38days 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
+ support for those going through the menopause
+ paid time off and support for fertility treatment
+ and more





We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.