Science Technician (Chemistry) in Elstree

Habs has been awarded Independent School of the Year 2025, with Haberdashers' Elstree Schools receiving both the award for Outstanding Educational Partnerships and the overall top accolade of Independent School of the Year 2025. This national recognition reflects our long‑term commitment to social impact and the deep, sustained collaborations we continue to build with our state sector partners. It is an exciting and proud moment to be joining our community. Habs Girls School is seeking an enthusiastic, organised and proactive General Laboratory Technician, with primary responsibility for supporting Chemistry, to join our successful and thriving Science Department. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong scientific background and excellent practical laboratory skills who enjoys working in a dynamic educational environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the delivery of outstanding practical science teaching, helping to inspire curiosity and academic excellence in students from Key Stage 3 through to A Level.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing apparatus, chemicals and materials for Chemistry practical lessons up to A Level.
• Providing occasional support for Biology and Physics practicals.
• Preparing lesson resources and materials as requested by teaching staff.
• Assisting with the trialling and development of new practical activities and assessments.
• Supporting science outreach and enrichment activities.
• Ensuring all preparation work complies with departmental procedures and CLEAPSS health and safety guidance.

Laboratory Organisation and Maintenance

• Maintaining laboratories and preparation rooms to a high standard of organisation and cleanliness.
• Assisting with the set‑up of laboratories for practical lessons and departmental events.
• Monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment and resources.
• Supporting stock organisation and the efficient operation of preparation areas.
• Assisting with the preparation of the department for Open Days and other school events.

Collaboration and Departmental Support

• Working closely with the Lead Chemistry Technician and Senior Technician to support departmental priorities.
• Liaising effectively with science teachers to meet practical lesson requirements.
• Collaborating with fellow science technicians across Chemistry, Biology and Physics.
• Providing assistance to other departments within the school when required.
• Supporting educational visits and trips where appropriate.

Qualifications

• Has a scientific background with practical laboratory experience, particularly in Chemistry.
• Possesses excellent practical laboratory skills and a strong understanding of safe working practices.
• Has strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
• Is able to prioritise workloads effectively and work to deadlines.
• Demonstrates initiative and a proactive approach to problem‑solving.
• Has excellent interpersonal and communication skills and enjoys working collaboratively.
• Is flexible, adaptable and willing to support the wider needs of the department and school.
• Brings a positive attitude, confidence and a good sense of humour to the role.
• Is committed to ongoing professional development and training.

Hours & Working Conditions

This is a term‑time only position, including INSET days, working 20 hours per week. The standard working hours are 08:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Private pension scheme through Aegon with generous employer contributions.
• Additional life assurance cover.
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential support and advice.
• Extensive professional development and training opportunities, including first aid training.
• Free lunch and refreshments.
• Free onsite parking.
• Access to travel on the schools' extensive coach network.
• Free access to state‑of‑the‑art sports facilities, including gym, swimming pool and fitness classes.
• Wellbeing initiatives and programmes, such as yoga, mindfulness sessions and health checks.
• Access to an online GP service providing quick and convenient healthcare advice.
• Access to Vivup, the staff benefits platform, featuring discounts, financial advice and wellbeing resources.
• Cycle‑to‑Work scheme and other green travel incentives, including Octopus Electric Vehicles.

Legal & Safeguarding

Haberdashers' Elstree Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the School is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children.