Research​/Development Technician, Research Scientist

The University of Sheffield provided pay range

This range is provided by The University of Sheffield. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

£32,080 – £34,610

Applications are invited for the post of Technician to join Sheffield’s Viral Immunotherapy for Bone Efficacy (VIBE) lab led by Dr Faith Howard based within School of Medicine and Population Health at the University of Sheffield’s Medical School. We are seeking a highly motivated, practically skilled, well organised individual to work on an exciting 1-year PCR/BCN-funded project where we will synthesise nanoparticles to carry oncolytic viruses to metastatic bone tumours.

We aim to evaluate these precision nanoparticles for their protective properties and guidance capabilities towards prostate cancer bone metastases, paving the way for targeted immunotherapy delivery against currently incurable cancers.

• Design, execute and evaluate experiments
• Keep excellent experimental records
• Prepare reports regularly and feed back to other members of the research group.
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts, attend and deliver seminars/lab meetings
• Help supervise undergraduate and MSc students
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

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.

• Have a degree or Higher National Diploma in a relevant scientific/engineering field (or have equivalent experience).
• Extensive practical and theoretical experience in human cell culture growth.
• Experience of designing experiments and accurately collecting data with subsequent robust analysis using appropriate statistical methods.
• Ability to update and acquire new skills and knowledge in line with advances in the relevant subject area, including technical expertise and experience.
• Knowledge of and compliance with good laboratory practice.
• Awareness of laboratory safety and general laboratory competence.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience of preparing and delivering presentations and reports on data generated.
• Ability to work either independently and/or as part of a multidisciplinary team to meet deadlines.
• Generic IT skills, including Microsoft Office suite and Prism.
• Good organisational and time management skills and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records.

• Expertise in oncolytic virus propagation.
• Practical and theoretical experience in nanoparticle synthesis/ drug delivery.
• A Home Office Licence and practical experience performing in vivo studies.

Grade: 6
Salary: £32,080 – £34,610
Work arrangement:
Full-time
Duration: 1 year (01/02/2026 – 31/01/2027)
Line manager:
Project Lead
Direct reports:
Project Lead
Our website:
For informal enquiries about this job contact:
Dr Faith Howard, Project Lead at

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in January 2026. This will consist of a short presentation of past research followed by a panel interview with an opportunity to see the facilities, meet with other lab members and ask questions. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 8th January.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact smph-w

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision:  (opens in new window).

• A minimum of 41 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…