At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Biology department by preparing materials, maintaining labs, and assisting with practical lessons.
- Company: Join Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools, a vibrant family of independent schools in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, enhanced sick pay, and access to fitness facilities and discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive community that values kindness, resilience, and innovation in education.
- Qualifications: Previous Technician experience or a Biology background is essential; strong organisational skills required.
- Other info: This is a full-time, term-time-only role with a pro-rata salary of £23,162 - £25,056.
The predicted salary is between 19100 - 21000 £ per year.
Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools are currently recruiting for a Biology Technician to join the Biology Department on a temporary part-time basis from August 2025 until August 2026 (subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks). This is a temporary, full-time, term-time-only post (plus an additional week during the summer holidays), working 36.25 hours per week. The pro-rata salary range is £23,162 - £25,056 per annum, based on qualifications and experience.
The role involves providing technical support to the Biology department, including:
- Preparing equipment and materials for lessons
- Maintaining and cleaning laboratory resources
- Ensuring health and safety procedures are followed
- Supporting teaching staff by organizing resources for practical work
- Managing stock and orders
- Assisting with assessments and data recording
- Supporting department trips and initiatives like the Young STEM Leader Award
This role suits someone with previous Technician experience or a background in Biology, supported by relevant qualifications or a degree. The candidate should have a good understanding of safe lab practices, be confident using Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), and possess strong organizational and communication skills. Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and build positive relationships is essential. Experience in an educational setting and as a Biology Technician is desirable. A flexible, professional approach and commitment to ESMS values are required.
Staff benefits include: generous holiday allowance, enhanced sick pay, family policies, access to the schools’ swimming pool and fitness room outside school hours, and membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme with discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations.
We seek individuals embodying ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity, and who promote our pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community. All staff undergo safeguarding checks, including child protection screening and Disclosure Scotland. Posts are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
The closing date for applications is 12pm on Monday, 16 June 2025. Interviews are expected later that week.
ESMS is a vibrant family of independent schools in Edinburgh, offering co-educational nursery and junior schools, single-sex secondary education, and a co-educational sixth form. We emphasize holistic education, with over 300 clubs and activities in sports, music, drama, outdoor education, trips, and community involvement, fostering talents and interests.
Our Vision: To empower learners through innovative, transformative experiences, cultivating creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, inspiring students to achieve their full potential and lead successful lives.
Our Mission: To develop resilient, accomplished, values-driven students equipped with the skills and mindset to lead fulfilling lives and positively impact the world.
Aims:
- Offer outstanding, well-rounded education to a diverse student body
- Build strong relationships to ensure students feel happy, safe, and supported
- Provide extensive extracurricular opportunities to discover and develop talents
- Inspire high academic achievement
- Encourage students to embrace challenges
- Inspire a love of learning and innovative thinking
- Develop students' confidence to express themselves
- Embed character and good decision-making through our values
Biology Technician employer: George Watson'S College
Contact Detail:
George Watson'S College Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Biology Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the Biology Technician role at ESMS. Understand the key responsibilities, such as preparing equipment and maintaining lab resources, so you can speak confidently about your relevant experience during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your understanding of health and safety procedures in a laboratory setting. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented these practices in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your organisational skills by providing examples of how you've managed resources or supported teaching staff in past positions. This will help illustrate your ability to handle the logistical aspects of the role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your alignment with ESMS values such as Kindness, Confidence, and Curiosity. Prepare to discuss how you embody these values in your work and interactions, as cultural fit is crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Biology Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Biology Technician position. Highlight key skills such as technical support, lab safety, and organisational abilities in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your relevant experience and qualifications in biology and technical support. Emphasise any previous roles as a technician or in educational settings, and ensure your skills in Microsoft Office are clearly stated.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for biology and education. Mention how your values align with those of ESMS, particularly kindness, resilience, and curiosity, and provide examples of how you've demonstrated these in your previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves maintaining laboratory resources.
How to prepare for a job interview at George Watson'S College
✨Know Your Biology Basics
Brush up on your biology knowledge, especially practical lab techniques and safety protocols. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences as a technician and how they relate to the role.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Since the role involves managing resources and supporting teaching staff, highlight your organisational skills. Share examples of how you've effectively managed stock or organised materials for lessons in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to explain how you’ve collaborated with teachers or other staff members in previous positions, and how you can contribute to a positive team environment.
✨Align with ESMS Values
Familiarise yourself with the values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity. Prepare to discuss how you embody these values in your work and how they align with the mission of ESMS.