At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist teachers in science demonstrations and maintain lab systems for engaging learning.
- Company: Innovative independent school focused on inspiring future generations.
- Benefits: Free lunch, professional development, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Full-time role with excellent career growth opportunities in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' learning experiences in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for science, strong organisational skills, and ideally Science A-levels.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 £ per year.
About the School - Downsend
Downsend is an innovative and forward‑thinking independent school, with a new vision; to inspire a generation to embrace the future, shaping incredible people who will make change in our world. At Downsend, we prepare our young people for the future with a creative and problem‑solving approach. We think big, we celebrate innovation, and we never hold back. We are delighted to announce that all four schools in the Downsend family have been judged to be ‘excellent in all areas’ by the Independent School Inspectorate.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries – in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East – serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools is proudly unique; however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can “Thrive in a rapidly evolving world”.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and proactive Science Technician to assist in promoting the education and welfare of pupils at Downsend School. The successful candidate will work under the direction of teaching or senior staff to support access to learning for all pupils and provide general assistance in the preparation room and other areas of the school as required.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assisting teachers with demonstrations and practicals.
- Developing and maintaining laboratory systems.
- Conducting routine lab checks and maintenance.
- Managing chemical and equipment stores safely.
- Preparing lesson materials and supporting new experiments and resources.
- Performing administrative duties.
- Setting up ICT and data‑logging equipment.
- Organising displays for events.
- Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety procedures.
This is a full‑time position, working 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday 8:30 am–4:30 pm with a 30‑minute unpaid break during term time only. This equates to 34.8 weeks per year.
Who We Are Looking For
You are passionate about science and education, with strong organisational skills and attention to detail. You thrive in a busy environment, remain calm under pressure, and communicate effectively with staff and students. Ideally you have Science A‑levels or equivalent and an understanding of health and safety in a laboratory setting. You are proactive, self‑motivated, and eager to contribute to a collaborative team. If you enjoy problem‑solving, have a keen eye for safety, and want to make a difference in pupils’ learning experiences, we’d love to hear from you.
Benefits at Cognita
- Free lunch provided during Term Time
- Free parking on site (subject to availability)
- Exclusive third‑party discounts
- Ongoing professional development
How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date: Sunday 14th June 2026. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex‑Offenders is included within the Application Guidance. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background. Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date for the right applicant.
Science Lab Technician: Inspire Young Minds in Leatherhead employer: Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd
At Downsend School, part of the Cognita family, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and innovative work culture that empowers our staff to inspire young minds. With a commitment to professional development, excellent benefits such as free lunches during term time, and a supportive environment that values collaboration and creativity, we offer a unique opportunity for Science Lab Technicians to make a meaningful impact in education. Join us in shaping the future of our students while enjoying a fulfilling career in a school recognised for excellence.
Contact Details:
Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Science Lab Technician: Inspire Young Minds in Leatherhead
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Downsend and its values. When you understand their mission to inspire young minds, you can tailor your conversations during interviews to show how you fit into their vision.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences at Downsend. This insider info can give you an edge in interviews and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical scenarios! Think about how you would assist in lab demonstrations or manage equipment. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've handled similar situations in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cognita family and contributing to a thriving educational environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Science Lab Technician: Inspire Young Minds in Leatherhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:Make sure to highlight your enthusiasm for science and education in your application. We want to see how you can inspire young minds and contribute to their learning experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the role of a Science Lab Technician at Downsend.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the important stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your science knowledge, especially the practical aspects relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss how you can assist teachers with demonstrations and practicals, as well as your understanding of health and safety in a lab setting.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your organisational skills. Think about times when you've managed equipment or materials effectively, or how you've maintained systems in a busy environment. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice clear and concise communication. You’ll need to interact with both staff and students, so be prepared to discuss how you would support their learning experiences and collaborate within a team.
✨Demonstrate Your Proactivity
Think of instances where you've taken initiative in previous roles. Whether it’s preparing lesson materials or setting up ICT equipment, showing that you’re proactive and self-motivated will resonate well with the interviewers.
