We are hiring a field technician to collect behavioural data on a long-term studied population of long-tailed tits (passerine bird) in Sheffield (UK).
The contract is for 20 months, with an application deadline the 23/11/2025.
Link to the offer and to apply:
https://jobsite.sheffield.ac.uk/job/Technician-Research/1788-en_GB
Foreign applicants will need to have a passport and apply for a Global Talent visa (we can assist with this). The Visa costs will be reimbursed by the University of Sheffield after appointment starts (https://sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/induction/before/international/visas).
Other useful information for foreign applicants: https://sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/induction/before/international.
Details of the job offer:
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Job Title: Technician: Research
Posting Start Date: 03/11/2025
Work Arrangement: Full Time (On site)
Contract Type: Fixed-term
Salary per annum (£): £27,319 – £30,378
Closing Date: 23/11/2025
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.
Overview
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In this UKRI-funded project, we are investigating the mechanisms through which animals recognise their relatives and make appropriate social decisions. We are investigating three modalities of recognition: auditory, olfactory and social cues, coupled with powerful analytical methods to investigate how individuals decide who to socially interact with. In this project, we will conduct field observations of behaviour in a wild population of birds that are individually identifiable. Fieldwork will be conducted at varying intensity throughout the year at a study site close to Sheffield.
We are looking for a talented and dedicated Research Technician to join this project in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster in the School of Biosciences. This project will use field studies of long-tailed tits and is led by Professor Ben Hatchwell. The Research Technician will work closely with the PI, two PDRAs and two other members of technical staff with overlapping responsibilities on the project, liaising with them to ensure efficient and rigorous collection of field data.
Applicants must have experience equivalent to Level 3 (BTEC/A Level) qualification in relevant field, with proven vocational skills in line with the job description along with an excellent understanding of how to store and handle data in accordance with legislation. Excellent communication skills to be able to communicate technical information clearly and succinctly to a wide variety of stakeholders, in a variety of methods, for example verbally or in presentation or written format are also essential.
Main duties and responsibilities
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– Intensive fieldwork on a colour-ringed population of long-tailed tits from March to June each year
– Lower intensity fieldwork from August to February each year
– Location of nests and monitoring of breeding activity during the breeding season
– Collection of data on social associations and movements of birds in the study site outside the breeding season
– Maintenance and filming of bird-feeders in the study site
– Meticulous record-keeping in the field and prompt entry of data into appropriate databases
– Observation of video recordings to identify individual birds when visiting nests and feeders
– Plan and work safely at all times, complying with health and safety legislation, regulations, environmental compliance procedures and systems and other relevant guidelines
– Maintain accurate and reliable electronic records of obtained data.
– Deliver technical training to others in the use of materials/equipment/tools and processes to meet the needs of the audience
– Perform investigations and experimentation using the appropriate tools, equipment, techniques, procedures and methods of relevance
– Ensure all activities are undertaken using the correct processes/methodologies, ensuring quality and compliance
– Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
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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.
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