Job Description
Job Title: Technician: Research
Posting Start Date: 12/09/2025
Job Id: 1551
School/Department: Biosciences
Work Arrangement: Full Time (Hybrid)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £27,319 - £28,031 per annum
Closing Date: 12/10/2025
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

In this Cascade Climate-funded project, we are assessing the role of enhanced rock weathering (EW) as a scalable strategy for CO2 removal (CDR) from the atmosphere to mitigate climate change while also reducing ocean acidification. EW involves amending cropland soils with crushed basalt rock to accelerate the low temperature dissolution of the associated minerals and carbon capture. In this project, we will attempt to characterise the minerals that are formed at different depths of the soil profile as a result of EW.
We are looking for a talented and dedicated Technician to join a vibrant team of researchers to assist with soil nutrient and mineralogical analyses and manage our international collections of soil samples with our partner institutes and analytical laboratories. This is an ideal opportunity to join international research programme bridging across disciplines between soil science, analytical chemistry, and geobiology. The post will contribute to the strategic goals of the project by delivering outstanding high-quality datasets on soil responses to EW across an international network of agro-ecosystems contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
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.

STAGE(S) ASSESSED AT

Experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description
Essential
Application/interview
Practical application of appropriate technical and scientific principles
Essential
Application/interview
Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance
Essential
Application/interview
Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance
Essential
Application/interview
Work with minimal supervision, efficiently and effectively at all times maintaining workplace organisation and minimising waste
Essential
Application/interview
Theoretical understanding of scientific principles
Essential
Application/interview
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
Essential
Application/interview
Knowledge of planning techniques, time management, workflow, work scheduling, work plans, documents, including record keeping
Essential
Application/Interview
Excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation
Essential
Application/interview
Understanding of relevant statutory, quality, environmental compliance procedures / systems, organisational and health and safety regulations relating to operations
Desirable
Application/interview

• Prepare soils for analysis including air-drying, oven-drying, crushing, sieving
• Weigh soils to appropriate standards
• Clearly dispense soil samples into appropriate containers (tubes, ziplock bags) and label appropriately (Sample name, Date, Project).
• Maintain Excel spreadsheet listing all analysed soil samples or soil samples in the analytical pipeline.
• Perform soil analyses after training following written protocols with all steps described in detail – these would include soil pH measurements, taking spectral readings using Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, exchangeable cations, soil digests to liquid.
• Preparing parcels and sending of samples for analyses when necessary
• 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