Job description
We are seeking an organized and proactive Science Technician to join our secondary school's science department. The successful candidate will provide essential support to teachers and students in the delivery of practical science lessons across biology, chemistry, and physics. This role is key in ensuring that practical experiments run smoothly, equipment is maintained, and health and safety standards are upheld.
Key Responsibilities:
Preparation and Setup:
Lesson Preparation: Prepare and set up equipment, materials, and chemicals for science lessons and demonstrations, ensuring that everything is ready for practical sessions.
Experiment Assistance: Assist teachers in delivering practical experiments, helping students as needed and ensuring experiments run smoothly and safely.
Equipment Maintenance: Regularly maintain and clean laboratory equipment, ensuring that all tools, glassware, and apparatus are in good working order.
Health and Safety:
Safety Compliance: Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations in all science laboratories, including the correct storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and hazardous materials.
Risk Assessments: Assist with the preparation of risk assessments for practical experiments and ensure safety procedures are followed.
First Aid Support: Provide first aid support in case of minor laboratory accidents, and ensure safety equipment such as eyewash stations and fire extinguishers are readily available.
Inventory and Resource Management:
Stock Control: Maintain an accurate inventory of laboratory equipment, chemicals, and consumables. Replenish stock as required and assist with ordering materials.
Lab Organization: Keep laboratories, prep rooms, and storage areas organized and tidy, ensuring all resources are easily accessible for staff and students.
Administrative and General Duties:
Record Keeping: Keep detailed records of practical work, chemical usage, and equipment maintenance logs.
Support for Curriculum Projects: Provide assistance to students working on science projects, advising on materials and techniques.
Display Work: Assist in creating science-related displays to promote student engagement and showcase learning outcomes within the department.
Essential Requirements:
Scientific Knowledge: Understanding of basic scientific principles across biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as familiarity with laboratory equipment and techniques.
Attention to Detail: Ability to follow detailed instructions and ensure precision in preparing experiments, handling chemicals, and maintaining equipment.
Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and maintain an orderly environment.
Health and Safety Awareness: Thorough understanding of health and safety procedures, including COSHH regulations and the handling of hazardous materials.
Teamwork: Ability to work closely with teachers, students, and other technicians to support science education within the school.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications:
Previous experience working as a Science Technician in a school or similar setting.
Relevant qualifications in science, such as a BTEC, NVQ, or A-levels in scientific subjects.
Understanding of current exam board requirements for practical science.
Experience with equipment maintenance and laboratory management.
Working Hours:
Full-time or part-time, typically during school hours (Monday to Friday), with some flexibility required during busy periods such as exam preparation.