Senior Technician: Geotechnical Centrifuge

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. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.OverviewThe Geotechnical Centrifuge Facility is a key part of the well-established Geotechnical Laboratories located at the main university site. The facility supports advanced physical modelling of geotechnical systems such as buried infrastructure, foundations, earthworks, and natural slopes. The main beam centrifuge is capable of spinning scale models at accelerations of up to 125 g, enabling realistic simulation of ground behaviour under controlled laboratory conditions. Experiments are supported by state-of-the-art data acquisition systems, robotic actuators, and high-resolution imaging to address engineering challenges in areas including climate resilience, ageing infrastructure, and net-zero transitions.The laboratory comprises a 4-metre diameter beam centrifuge, a 1-metre diameter model centrifuge for trial tests, a dedicated control room, and specialist test preparation facilities. We are seeking a highly skilled individual to oversee the daily operation and continued development of this flagship research facility. This is a pivotal and rewarding role at the heart of one of the UK’s largest and most successful engineering schools. You will work closely with a collaborative network of researchers, industry partners, and external organisations. Your contribution will be central to enabling world-class research programmes addressing global challenges in infrastructure, water, and energy systems.Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesProviding a comprehensive, enthusiastic and high-quality technical service to staff, students and external customers within the Centrifuge Laboratory and across the Department of Civil and Structural Engineering’s Materials, Structures and ICAIR Laboratories. Provide advice and guidance on a range of technical issues.Manage the effective operation, scheduling, and maintenance of the centrifuge laboratory and equipment.Provide expert technical support and training to students, researchers, and academic staff in centrifuge modelling methods, instrumentation, and experimental design.Advise on and support the design, setup, and execution of experiments, ensuring data quality and robust research outcomes.Carry out maintenance, servicing, modification and repair on a variety of instrumentation and equipment. Work to ensure failures and breakdowns have limited impact upon day-to-day laboratory activity.Maintain an awareness and commitment to the relevant health and safety rules and regulations. Create complex Health and Safety documentation, records and databases and generate reports as necessary.Experience of applying workplace Health and Safety in a Laboratory environment. (Including the ability to conduct risk and COSHH assessments to a high standard).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.CriteriaEssential Or DesirableStage(s) assessed atExperience equivalent to Level 6 (Degree) qualification in relevant a field, with proven vocational skills inline with the job description.EssentialApplication/interviewRSciTech or EngTech professional registration or a willingness to work towards it.EssentialApplication/interviewIOSH Managing Safely qualification or a willingness to work towards itEssentialApplication/interviewEffective communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate with staff, students, internal and external clients.EssentialApplication/interviewExperience of computational drawing packages including AutoCAD and Solid Works.EssentialApplication/interviewMechanical engineering workshop skills - machining, fitting, use of standard workshop equipment, techniques and precision measuring instruments.DesirableApplication/interviewA working knowledge/understanding of instrumentation/electronics and data acquisition/control systems.EssentialApplication/interviewExperience of applying workplace Health and Safety in a Laboratory environment (including the ability to conduct risk and COSHH assessments to a high standard).EssentialApplication/interviewAbility to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities.EssentialApplication/interviewCarry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the research laboratory/ Workshop specialism of the role.EssentialApplication/interviewAbility to work thoroughly and methodically, sometimes under pressure working to tight and competing deadlines.EssentialApplication/interviewFurther InformationGrade6Salary£32,080 - £36,636Work arrangementFull-time - 35 hours per weekDuration01/02/2026 – 31/01/2028Line managerOur websitehttps://sheffield.ac.uk/macFor informal enquiries about this job contact the MAC Operations team at mac-operations@sheffield.ac.ukNext steps in the recruitment processIt is anticipated that the selection process will take place week commencing 9th February 2026. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 2nd February 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mac-operations@sheefield.ac.uk.Our vision and strategic planWe are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).What We Offer 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; Technical Career Route.A range of generous family-friendly policiespaid time off for parenting and caring emergenciessupport for those going through the menopausepaid time off and support for fertility treatmentand moreMore details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).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.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.