Technician

Overview

We are seeking technician to join our multidisciplinary team studying how the immune system controls infection. Cryptococcal meningitis (CM) is fungal infection of immunocompromised 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 organising equipment maintenance.
• Maintain a safe working environment, including ensuring compliance with legislation and undertaking of 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

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

Stage(s) assessed at

A BSc Degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area

Essential

Application

Experience of laboratory research methods and techniques

Essential

Interview / Application

Ability to hold a Home Office Personal Licence

Essential

Application

Ability to manage time and prioritise workload effectively with the ability to develop creating solutions to problems

Essential

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

Essential

Interview / Application

Attention to detail and a proven ability to keep accurate and reliable records

Essential

Interview / Application

Ability to work safely in a laboratory setting

Essential

Interview / Application

Experience of microscopy

Desirable

Interview / Application

Experience of laboratory management

Desirable

Interview / Application

Further Information

Grade

5

Salary

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

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:  [email protected]

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: [email protected]

Our vision and strategic plan

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

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.