Senior Technician: Research (Genomics Facility)

Job Title Senior Technician: Research (Genomics Facility)

• Posting Start Date: 27/10/2026
• Job Id: 3343
• School/Department: Biosciences
• Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
• Contract Type: Fixed-term
• Salary per annum (£): £32,722 - £37,369
• Closing Date: 10/11/2026

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 A highly skilled and experienced Senior Research Laboratory Technician is sought for the Genomics Facility in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. The Senior Technician will be instrumental in performing complex laboratory analyses for Facility users, providing expert training to other members of the team, and driving innovation in cutting edge molecular and genomic techniques. The Facility is dedicated to advancing research in environmental, ecological, and evolutionary biology, leveraging exceptional expertise in genome sequencing, marker analysis, population genomics, metabarcoding, and environmental DNA (eDNA) detection and interpretation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for processing often challenging samples, including subsequent data analysis, developing novel molecular and genomic protocols, and ensuring the seamless operation of the laboratory, particularly in the absence of the Laboratory Manager. This role requires a proactive approach to identifying and implementing next generation tools, providing sophisticated intellectual input into research projects, and contributing significantly to the strategic development and operational efficiency of the Facility.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Act as a primary technical expert, offering sophisticated advice and intellectual input to Facility users, and colleagues working on complex molecular ecology projects, particularly regarding next generation sequencing applications.
• Deliver and design comprehensive technical training and support in advanced molecular and genomic techniques to Facility users.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of cutting edge next generation molecular and genomic tools and methodologies, ensuring the Facility remains at the forefront of research capabilities. This includes:
• Developing and refining novel laboratory protocols and writing and submitting them to platforms such as Protocols.io to disseminate best practice.
• Performing complex investigations and experimentation to optimise existing techniques and establish new ones.
• Independently perform challenging molecular analyses, including the processing of large numbers of samples and subsequent data analysis using Facility pipelines. The technician needs to be able to identify and, where necessary, develop appropriate bespoke protocols.
• Take significant responsibility for the day to day operational running of the laboratory including, but not restricted to, ensuring the laboratory is fully stocked with consumables and supplies as required, particularly during the Laboratory Manager's absence.
• Proactively identify and resolve routine and non routine technical problems, applying advanced diagnostic methods and contributing to solutions for complex issues.
• Critically evaluate methodologies, results, and problems, assessing their implications for ongoing research and laboratory efficiency and sustainability.
• Regularly provide expert technical advice and insights on next generation sequencing and associated data analysis techniques during lab meetings and other collaborative forums, contributing to strategic discussions and problem solving.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records in accordance with University data storage protocols and contribute to the development and implementation of quality assurance processes across the Facility.
• Exercise a high degree of autonomy in day to day planning and organisation of work, aligning with strategic priorities agreed with the facility director, and demonstrating exceptional time management and workflow efficiency.
• Understand and ensure rigorous compliance with all Health & Safety, CoSHH risk assessments, waste disposal issues, and other relevant statutory, quality, and environmental compliance procedures/systems within the area of responsibility.
• Actively engage in continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of current technologies, attending advanced training sessions and seminars, and critically reviewing relevant scientific literature to enhance expertise and contribute to the Facility's knowledge base.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post, contributing to the overall success and reputation of the NERC Environmental 'Omics visitor facility.

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.

Criteria Experience equivalent to Level 6 (Degree) qualification in Biological Science, with proven vocational skills.

Essential or desirable Stage(s) assessed at Essential

Application

A theoretical understanding and significant practical experience of carrying out and trouble shooting challenging Molecular Ecology techniques, such as DNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, SNP genotyping.

Essential

Application and Interview

Specific theoretical and practical experience of next generation sequencing, library preparation and SNP typing.

Essential

Application and Interview

Excellent IT skills (Google software, Windows, Office, Excel) and familiarity with accessing high performance computing (e.g. including the use of command lines in Linux).

Essential

Application and Interview

Bioinformatic skills sufficient to enable molecular experimental design and to undertake sequence data and statistical analyses (in R) using Facility pipelines.

Essential

Application and Interview

Ability to develop and teach techniques and supervise others in the lab.

Essential

Interview

Ability to develop and perform R&D next generation sequencing projects that will benefit the facility.

Essential

Application and Interview

Ability to produce oral or written reports such as new protocols which can be adopted by other lab users and the wider community (i.e. by publishing on Protocols i.o.) and annotated figures that summarise results suitable for publication.

Essential

Application and Interview

Ability to train and mentor new laboratory appointments made at lower technical grades e.g. G5.

Essential

Interview

Ability to recognise new developments, hardware and technical advances in next generation sequencing that might benefit the facility

Desirable

Interview

Further Information Grade 6

Salary £32,722 - £37,369 per annum

Work arrangement Full-time (35 hours per week)

Duration Fixed term for 3 years, available immediately

Line manager Chair in Molecular Ecology

Direct reports None

Our website School of Biosciences

Genomics Laboratory Facility

For informal enquiries about this job contact Terry Burke (Chair in Molecular Ecology) at

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 including a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process please contact

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 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
  • access to menopause support in the workplace
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more
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