The University of Sheffield
Technician
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Overview
We are seeking a technician to join our multidisciplinary team studying how the immune system controls infection. Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is a fungal infection of immunocompromised individuals responsible for >100,000 deaths globally each year and 20% of AIDS-related deaths. In this project, we are studying a new way that macrophage immune cells can ingest and kill Cryptococcus. We have discovered that macrophages have sub-micron ridges on their surface which enhances their ability to interact and phagocytose Cryptococcus.
You will have a degree and research laboratory experience in biology or a related discipline (or equivalent experience) and be proficient in a variety of relevant techniques (e.g., cell culture, microbiology, molecular biology). Previous experience working with in vivo models is desirable but not essential. The project will include live imaging of host-pathogen interactions in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo. You will be able to contribute significantly to the ongoing research of the Johnston lab, by supporting, enabling, and performing experiments along with the team. You will become a member of a passionate scientific research team that aims to understand fundamental aspects of biology relating to human disease. Your career development will be well supported, and your development as a research scientist will be encouraged.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Laboratory management of biosafety level 2 laboratories, including safety and lab rule adherence, equipment and space booking systems, maintaining stock levels, external ordering, and organizing equipment maintenance.
- Maintain a safe working environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and undertaking risk assessments.
- Support and enable host-pathogen interactions experiments in diverse experimental models of infection and immunity.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team across human infection, in vivo and cell models, analytical and computational theoretical models.
- Work with other members of the team, design, develop, and refine experiments to obtain reliable data.
- Carry out research and development of experimental methods necessary to the aims of the project.
- Maintain an accurate and complete record of duties performed, including experiments.
- Provide help to other researchers in the same group and other groups with related research interests.
- 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.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
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Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognizes 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/Desirable | Stage(s) Assessed At |
|---|---|
| A BSc Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area | Application |
| Experience of laboratory research methods and techniques | Interview / Application |
| Ability to hold a Home Office Personal Licence | Application |
| Ability to manage time and prioritize workload effectively with the ability to develop creating solutions to problems | Interview / Application |
| Ability to work as part of a team with varied skills, disciplinary background, and experience and to maintain effective communication with team members and collaborators | Interview / Application |
| Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records | Interview / Application |
| Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting | Interview / Application |
| Experience of microscopy | Desirable |
| Experience of laboratory management | Desirable |
Further Information
- Grade: 5
- Salary: £27,319
- Work arrangement: Full-time
- Duration: 1/10/2026 – 31/12/2027
- Line manager: Professor of Infection Biology
- Direct reports: N/A
- Right to work in the UK: Ineligible roles: Grade 2-5 and Grade 6 roles (31 hours and below per week) - to be deleted if 32 hours or more.
This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points-based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.uk.
Grade 6 (32 or more hours per week) - to be deleted if G6 31 hours or less per week
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If you do not currently hold the right to work in the UK, you can find more information here to help determine your visa eligibility. Additional guidance is also available on the UK Visa & Immigration website.
Our website
https://thejohnstonlab.sites.sheffield.ac.uk/
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Simon Johnston, Professor of Infection Biology: s.a.johnston@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on 14th September 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 7th September 2026. If you need any support, equipment, or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process, you can contact Professor Simon Johnston: s.a.johnston@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; integrated with our 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
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). 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.
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