The University of Sheffield
Technician: Research (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology )
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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 here and join us to become part of something special.
Overview
In this UKRI-funded project, we are investigating the mechanisms through which animals recognise their relatives and make appropriate social decisions. We are investigating three modalities of recognition: auditory, olfactory and social cues, coupled with powerful analytical methods to investigate how individuals decide who to socially interact with. In this project, we will conduct field observations of behaviour in a wild population of birds that are individually identifiable. Fieldwork will be conducted at varying intensity throughout the year at a study site close to Sheffield.
We are looking for a talented and dedicated Research Technician to join this project in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster in the School of Biosciences. This project will use field studies of long-tailed tits and is led by Professor Ben Hatchwell. The Research Technician will work closely with the PI, two PDRAs and two other members of technical staff with overlapping responsibilities on the project, liaising with them to ensure efficient and rigorous collection of field data.
Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description along with an excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation. 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 are also essential.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Intensive fieldwork on a colour-ringed population of long-tailed tits from March to June each year
- Occasional low intensity fieldwork from August to February each year
- Recording of vocalisations from birds in the study site during the breeding season
- Processing of recordings to identify and isolate specific calls for subsequent analysis
- Meticulous record-keeping in the field and prompt entry of data into appropriate databases
- Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
- Maintain accurate and reliable 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
- 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
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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 | Criteria | Stage(s) assessed at |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description | Application/interview |
| Essential | Experience of conducting field research on wild birds | Application/interview |
| Essential | Practical application of appropriate technical and scientific principles | Application/interview |
| Essential | Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance | Application/interview |
| Essential | Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance | Application/interview |
| Essential | Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste | Application/interview |
| Essential | Theoretical understanding of scientific principles | Application/interview |
| Essential | 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 | Application/interview |
| Essential | Knowledge of planning techniques, time management, workflow, work scheduling, work plans, documents, including record keeping | Application/Interview |
| Essential | Excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation | Application/interview |
| Desirable | Experience of identifying individually marked birds in the field | Application/interview |
| Desirable | Understanding of relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures / systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations | Application/interview |
Further Information
- Grade: 5
- Salary: £27,319 - £31,236 per annum
- Work arrangement: Full-time (35 hours per week). Flexible working pattern considered in line with business need and work demands
- Duration: Fixed-term from 1 September 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) to 9 October 2027
- Line manager: Professor of Evolutionary Ecology (Principal Investigator)
- Direct reports: None
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Our website: School of Biosciences
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof Ben Hatchwell (Professor of Evolutionary Ecology / Principal Investigator) at b.hatchwell@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 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
- 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. 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: 30/07/2026
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.
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