English Teacher

Laboratory Technician (Cross Departmental)

The Science Department

The science department is comprised of twelve specialist teaching laboratories in a beautiful 1930s building. The laboratories are all equipped with modern facilities such as interactive whiteboards and are extremely well resourced. Each department has four laboratories and a dedicated preparation room.

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Should have a genuine interest in education and working in the science department of a leading independent school. 

• A commitment and desire to produce work of the highest possible standard.

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills

• Highly organised and self-motivated with an ability to proactively manage conflicting workloads.

• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision.

• Frequently required to move and handle trolleys and equipment 

• A flexible approach to duties and hours of work in order to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Responsibilities

The post holder will be working closely with the Laboratory Manager on a day-to-day basis, and alongside other technicians to achieve the aims of the Department. The post holder will be responsible for providing an efficient technical service across the Science Department. They will be required to achieve complete familiarity with the Science Department’s health and safety procedures and will be responsible for keeping up to date with these procedures as they change throughout the post holder’s period of employment. It is critical that the Cross Departmental Technician implements health and safety procedures correctly at all times.

The following list of key responsibilities is designed to outline the main duties associated with the post but is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed

Key responsibilities Activities that are likely to be carried out 

Under the (overall) control of the Laboratory Manager, to coordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and provide assist¬ance and advice in meeting the practical needs of the science curriculum, including liaising with teaching staff and support staff outside the department • Preparation of resources, assembling apparatus.

• Obtaining materials by local purchase.

• Giving technical advice to teachers, technicians and students.

• Carrying out risk assessments for technician activities.

To assist the Laboratory Manager with the day-to-day organisation and development of trainee staff to ensure that essential performance standards are achieved.

 • Organising and supervising trainee technicians as required

.

To contribute to the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long-term projects. • Constructing & modifying apparatus.

• Setting up and caring for plant and animal collections.

• Preparing standard solutions, purifying chemicals, treating waste.

To support the Laboratory Manager in ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment, helping to compile orders and liaising or negotiating with suppliers. This will include sourcing, costing and suggesting economic alternatives to maintain stock levels. Keeping up-to-date stock records

 • Checking stock.

• Keeping stock records.

• Maintaining science department resources.

Under the (overall) guidance of the Laboratory Manager, to ensure that both routine and

non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, 

calibration, testing and repairing of equipment are carried out to the required standard. • Collecting, checking and returning equipment to stores.

• General laboratory cleaning of bench surfaces and fixed equipment.

• Cleaning and repair of equipment.

• Notifying the maintenance department regarding routine maintenance requests

• Advising the Laboratory Manager of major maintenance requirements

Health and safety Activities that are likely to be carried out