Senior Technician: Geotechnical Centrifuge

Senior Technician: Geotechnical Centrifuge Join to apply for the Senior Technician: Geotechnical Centrifuge role at The University of Sheffield. The University of Sheffield provided pay range: the actual pay will be based on skills and experience. Contact recruiter to learn more. Overview The 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 can spin 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 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. Main Duties and Responsibilities Provide 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, set‑up 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 on 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, your contribution is valuable and we encourage you to apply. Criteria Essential Experience equivalent to Level 6 (Degree) qualification in a relevant field with proven vocational skills inline with the job description. RSciTech or EngTech professional registration or a willingness to work towards it. IOSH Managing Safely qualification or a willingness to work towards it. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience of computational drawing packages including AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Mechanical engineering workshop skills – machining, fitting, use of standard workshop equipment, techniques and precision measuring instruments. Working knowledge/understanding of instrumentation/electronics and data acquisition/control systems. Experience of applying workplace health and safety in a laboratory environment (risk and COSHH assessments). Ability to assess and organise resources, and plan and progress work activities. Ability to work thoroughly and methodically, sometimes under pressure to meet tight and competing deadlines. Other duties commensurate with the role. Desirable Any additional relevant experience or qualifications that enhance the ability to perform the role. Further Information Grade: 6 Work arrangement: Full‑time – 35 hours per week Duration: 01/02/2026 – 31/01/2028 Line manager: (Not specified) Our website: https://sheffield.ac.uk/mac Informal enquiries contact mac-operations@sheffield.ac.uk Next Steps in the Recruitment Process The selection process will take place during the week commencing 9 February 2026. Candidates will be informed of progression by the week commencing 2 February 2026. Support, equipment or adjustments can be requested at mac‑operations@sheffield.ac.uk. What We Offer A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holidays and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working where applicable. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, dining and travel. Access to staff networks, e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks. Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond. Commitment to your development – learning and mentoring schemes, Technical Career Route. Generous family‑friendly policies: paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies, support for 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. Our Vision We are the University of Sheffield. Our vision is available at sheffield.ac.uk/vision and outlines our commitment to building a diverse community that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone. #J-18808-Ljbffr