Support Technician: Electrical & Instrumentation

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

You will contribute to the delivery of a comprehensive maintenance and instrumentation maintenance and servicing provision for staff, students and external customers across the School underpinning the fundamental working practices of the teaching, research and facilities.

Reporting to the Senior Technician: Operations you will be responsible for carrying out routine maintenance of common laboratory equipment. You will maintain accurate records of works undertaken, using appropriate IT and software, including the Asset Database and SAP. You will be able to perform practical tasks consistently to a high standard with attention to detail.

Applicants must have minimum qualifying GCSE grade in English and Maths, or equivalent Level 2 qualification along with demonstrable vocational skills and experience including 18th Edition IET or more recent equivalent training. Knowledge of electrical and mechanical skills including the use of hand tools used in the installation, calibration and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation and an understanding of Health and Safety regulations and safe working practices are also essential.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Carry out routine maintenance of common laboratory equipment, using standard operating procedures, and keeping records. To include water purifiers, ultra-low temperature freezers, vacuum pumps, as examples.
• Where required, assist operations team members to create bespoke apparatus for research applications, providing input at all stages of development and production
• Diagnose faulty equipment requiring repair and undertake repairs using appropriate tools, techniques and procedures where competent to do so under the supervision of the team leader
• Maintain accurate records of works undertaken, using appropriate IT and software, including the Asset Database, and SAP for ordering.
• Assist with purchasing including ordering and distributing goods.
• Carry out PAT for new items, adding them to the Asset Database, and also for repaired items. Assist staff to scrap old items and ensure these are removed from the database.
• Participate in the planning and organising of the preventative maintenance service schedule for commonly held laboratory equipment
• Provide technical advice to staff and students in relation to the work area and the instrumentation used.
• Liaise with appropriate staff to ensure work areas and equipment are kept functional, for example, prepare areas for visiting service engineers, provide decontamination certificates, keep appropriate records.
• Contribute to the planning and organisation of moving significant amounts of laboratory equipment, or specialised laboratory equipment, using appropriate lifting techniques and equipment, as well as contributing to the moving of equipment.
• Assist with training staff and students to safely operate more complex and specialised equipment, for example compressed gas cylinders and regulators.
• Carry out inductions, training and demonstrations of relevant equipment.
• Understand and apply relevant risk assessments and departmental health and safety protocols at all times
• 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.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. 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 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 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.
• 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.

Closing Date : 10/6/2026

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.