Senior Technician: Research; Genomics Facility

A highly skilled and experienced Senior Research Laboratory Technician is sought for the Genomics Facility in the School of Biosciences at the University of Sheffield. The Senior Technician will be instrumental in performing complex laboratory analyses for Facility users, providing expert training to other members of the team, and driving innovation in cutting‑edge molecular and genomic techniques. The Facility is dedicated to advancing research in environmental, ecological, and evolutionary biology, leveraging exceptional expertise in genome sequencing, marker analysis, population genomics, metabarcoding, and environmental DNA (eDNA) detection and interpretation.

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• Act as a primary technical expert, offering sophisticated advice and intellectual input to Facility users, and colleagues working on complex molecular ecology projects, particularly regarding next‑generation sequencing applications.
• Deliver and design comprehensive technical training and support in advanced molecular and genomic techniques to Facility users.
• Lead the identification, evaluation, and implementation of cutting‑edge next‑generation molecular and genomic tools and methodologies, ensuring the Facility remains at the forefront of research capabilities. This includes:
• Developing and refining novel laboratory protocols and writing and submitting them to platforms such as Protocols.io to disseminate best practice.
• Performing complex investigations and experimentation to optimise existing techniques and establish new ones.
• Independently perform challenging molecular analyses, including the processing of large numbers of samples and subsequent data analysis using Facility pipelines. The technician needs to be able to identify and, where necessary, develop appropriate bespoke protocols.
• Take significant responsibility for the day‑to‑day operational running of the laboratory including, but not restricted to, ensuring the laboratory is fully stocked with consumables and supplies as required, particularly during the Laboratory Manager's absence.
• Proactively identify and resolve routine and non‑routine technical problems, applying advanced diagnostic methods and contributing to solutions for complex issues.
• Critically evaluate methodologies, results, and problems, assessing their implications for ongoing research and laboratory efficiency and sustainability.
• Regularly provide expert technical advice and insights on next‑generation sequencing and associated data analysis techniques during lab meetings and other collaborative forums, contributing to strategic discussions and problem‑solving.
• Ensure the maintenance of accurate and comprehensive records in accordance with University data storage protocols and contribute to the development and implementation of quality assurance processes across the Facility.
• Exercise a high degree of autonomy in day‑to‑day planning and organisation of work, aligning with strategic priorities agreed with the facility director, and demonstrating exceptional time management and workflow efficiency.
• Understand and ensure rigorous compliance with all Health & Safety, CoSHH risk assessments, waste disposal issues, and other relevant statutory, quality, and environmental compliance procedures/systems within the area of responsibility.
• Actively engage in continuing professional development (CPD) by keeping abreast of current technologies, attending advanced training sessions and seminars, and critically reviewing relevant scientific literature to enhance expertise and contribute to the Facility's knowledge base.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit…