Science Technician in Southampton

Are you passionate about science, practical learning and supporting young people to explore the subject through safe, well-prepared experiments? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing secondary school environment and play an important role in supporting engaging science lessons.

SALARY: £20,635 per annum Actual (£26,017 FTE) + Benefits

LOCATION: Hedge End, Southampton, Hampshire

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Permanent (Term Time Only)

WORKING HOURS: 35 hours per week, 8:00am to 3:30pm Monday to Friday, 38 weeks per year

JOB OVERVIEW: This is a rewarding opportunity for an organised and enthusiastic Science Technician to support a busy science department and help students access safe, effective and inspiring practical learning. Working under the day-to-day direction of the Senior Science Technician, you will prepare equipment, resources and materials for demonstrations, experiments and practical lessons. As the Science Technician you will also help maintain stock, support laboratory organisation and ensure equipment is safe, clean and ready for use. You will contribute to the smooth running of the department, supporting teaching staff, practical activities, enrichment sessions and the wider delivery of a high-quality science curriculum.

DUTIES: Your duties as the Science Technician will include:

• Prepare Practical Resources: Set up equipment, apparatus and materials for science experiments, demonstrations and practical lessons at staff request
• Clear and Maintain Equipment: Clear, clean and maintain apparatus, bench fittings, microscopes, data loggers and other science equipment to ensure safe working order
• Support Stock Control: Monitor, organise and replenish laboratory resources, stationery, apparatus and practical materials for each laboratory
• Assist with Health and Safety: Support safe working practices, including COSHH and CLEAPSS-related procedures, storage areas, laboratories and the science prep room
• Prepare Solutions and Apparatus: Prepare solutions, construct simple apparatus and support less routine practical requests for lessons and school events
• Support Teaching Staff: Assist teachers during practical sessions, help cover or supply teachers with science materials and ensure cover work is placed in laboratories when required
• Coordinate Enrichment Resources: Liaise on equipment and resources for STEM club, enrichment activities and other science-related events
• Maintain Accurate Records: Assist with inventory checks, stock control systems and the organisation of science department resources

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS:

ESSENTIAL:

• GCSE in Science or equivalent
• Good science subject knowledge and a genuine interest in supporting practical learning
• Good ICT skills
• Excellent organisational skills with strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexible approach with the ability to manage a wide range of tasks and support other areas of the school when needed
• Patient, tactful and diplomatic approach when working with staff and students
• Ability to support safe working practices in a school laboratory environment
• Hold a valid First Aid at Work certificate

DESIRABLE:

• A-Level in Science or equivalent
• A background in science or previous laboratory experience

BENEFITS:

• Exceptional team environment where all staff are valued
• Excellent Continuing Professional Development with high quality CPD programmes
• Many opportunities for career progression
• One fully paid day off per academic year to support personal events
• Two-week October half term
• Extensive department resources and facilities
• Tax efficient Cycle-to-Work scheme through salary sacrifice
• Staff membership rates to a modern Leisure Centre
• Enrolment in one of the UK’s largest public sector pension schemes

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks. The school reserves the right to close vacancies early.