social research jobs

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.

Reporting to the Technical Manager of Laboratory Services Group One, you will be responsible for the design, manufacture, operation, and maintenance of specialised laboratory equipment. This includes ensuring full compliance with statutory regulations, quality standards, environmental policies, and health and safety requirements.

You will work both independently and collaboratively to design and manufacture components and equipment that support research and teaching activities. Effective collaboration with the School’s Workshop Teams will be essential to achieving high-quality outcomes while maintaining strict adherence to health and safety protocols.

You will also provide technical expertise and guidance to both staff and students, demonstrating a strong commitment to excellent customer service. This includes proactively identifying needs, responding appropriately to different situations, and aligning with the organisation’s culture and values.

The role will involve approximately 30% workshop-based and 70% laboratory-based work. Occasionally, you may be required to assist other departments within the Faculty of Engineering as operational needs arise.

• Provide students and staff with a high-quality, detailed, and effective technical service across the School and the wider Faculty of Engineering.
  
  
• Demonstrate and train new users in the safe and effective operation of specialised university research equipment, maintaining full compliance with Health and Safety procedures.
  
  
• Take responsibility for the design and development of research test rigs and components, liaising with academic staff, students, and colleagues to ensure research objectives are successfully met.
  
  
• Produce and maintain required Health and Safety documentation, including Risk Assessments and COSHH assessments, in accordance with university policy.
  
  
• Independently manufacture components to high standards and precise engineering tolerances, utilising CAD software and other relevant technologies.
  
  
• Undertake reactive engineering problem-solving and maintenance tasks to ensure the continued smooth and safe operation of the School’s facilities.
  
  
• Deliver a high standard of customer service to staff, students, and visitors. Make proactive suggestions for improving technical services and refer customers to senior colleagues where appropriate.
  
  
• Support the daily operation and maintenance of the workshop facility to ensure ongoing safe, reliable, and excellent service delivery.
  
  
• Assist and support senior technical staff in the day-to-day running of laboratory facilities to maintain consistent service excellence.
  
  
• As a member of the University’s Professional Services staff, demonstrate a clear commitment to the professional behaviours outlined in the Sheffield Professional Framework.
  
  
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, as required by the Department or the Faculty of Engineering.

• 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; integrated with our Technical Career Route.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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 : 23/04/2026

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.