Job Description

Job Title:

Technician: Research

Posting Start Date:

12/09/2025

Job Id:

1562

School/Department:

Biosciences

Work Arrangement:

Full Time (On site)

Contract Type:

Fixed-term

Salary per annum ():

27,319 - 31,236 per annum

Closing Date:

28/09/2025
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

This post is for a Technician to work within Theme 2, 'Food systems and environmental restoration', of the South Yorkshire Sustainability Centre (SYSC). We're working together across South Yorkshire in support of a just and sustainable transition to net-zero for the Region.





You will support the research team on a project focused on understanding carbon sequestration potential across South Yorkshire to support the South Yorkshire Natural Capital assessment and the upcoming Local Nature Recovery Strategy. The project investigates how soil management influences soil carbon stocks and in this role you will be responsible for planning fieldwork and processing soil samples in the lab.





Applicants must hold a Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field (or have equivalent experience) along with experience in soil lab analysis with a focus on organic matter, carbon and nitrogen quantification. A valid UK driving licence is also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

Organise and carry out soil sampling fieldwork in agricultural ecosystems. Process and analyse soil samples for carbon. Liaise and assist the PI and members of the research group as required in the execution of research experiments and processing of plant and soil samples. Assist with laboratory management, including monitoring stocks, ordering consumables, routine maintenance of equipment, databases and CoSHH regulations Record and analyse research data reliably, accurately, and efficiently, following the appropriate procedures. Maintain comprehensive, accurate records of research work, taking responsibility for quality of own work. Present data and results to the PI and other members of the research group as required. Attend and actively participate in project meetings and research group meetings. 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. Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines Respond and adapt to work demands, transferring skills to new technology/innovations and to work flexibly across laboratories and sites as required. Take responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) 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. Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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

Hold Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field (or equivalent experience)




Essential




Application/interview




Experience working in the field (soil sampling experience is desirable).




Essential




Application/interview




Experience in soil lab analysis with a focus on organic matter, carbon and nitrogen quantification




Essential




Application/interview




Ability to manage and evaluate scientific, mathematical or other technical data/documentation and call attention to any anomaly




Essential




Application/interview




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




Ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for overseeing a process, delegating tasks and monitoring progress as appropriate




Essential




Application/interview




Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records.




Essential




Application/interview




Ability to understand and comply with relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations.




Essential




Application/interview




Experience in general lab management tasks, e.g. managing lab stocks, ordering, routine maintenance of equipment.




Desirable




Application/interview




Technical Professional Registration or the willingness to work towards it.




Essential




Application/interview




Valid UK driving licence




Desirable




Application

Further Information

Grade

5

Salary

27,319 - 31,236 per annum

Work arrangement

Full-time

Duration

1 October 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to 28 February 2026

Line manager

Professor of Ecosystem Sustainability (PI)

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences




For informal enquiries about this job contact Jill Edmondson, Professor of Ecosystem Sustainability on j.edmondson@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. 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; integrated with our 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.


Closing Date : 28/09/2025





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.