Science Laboratory Technician

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St Bees School is seeking to appoint an organised, proactive and knowledgeable Science Laboratory Technician to support the delivery of high-quality practical science across the School.

As the School's sole Laboratory Technician, the postholder will play a central role within the Science Faculty, working closely with a team of three science teachers and supporting Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 7 through to Year 13.

St Bees is a small school with single-class year groups and small class sizes, particularly at A Level.

This enables close collaboration between the Laboratory Technician and teaching staff and provides the opportunity to support high-quality and ambitious practical science across all age groups.

The postholder will be responsible for the effective day-to-day technical operation of the Science Faculty, including the preparation of practical work, management of laboratories and resources, health and safety compliance, and technical support for practical exams.

Key Responsibilities

Practical Science Support

The postholder will

• Prepare equipment, apparatus, chemicals, solutions, specimens and other materials for practical lessons in Biology, Chemistry and Physics from Year 7 to Year 13.
• Set up and test experiments, investigations and demonstrations, ensuring that practical activities are safe and effective.
• Clear away practical activities and clean, maintain and safely store equipment and materials.
• Prepare solutions, reagents, slides, cultures and other specialist materials as required.
• Support teachers in planning practical activities and provide technical advice on equipment, methods and safety.
• Assist staff and students in the safe and appropriate use of specialist scientific equipment.
• Liaise with teaching staff to plan practical requirements, manage competing requests and ensure the effective allocation of equipment and resources.
• Construct, adapt or modify simple practical equipment and apparatus where appropriate and within the postholder's competence.
• Provide technical and practical support for science trips, visits and fieldwork where reasonably required.
• Practical Examinations and Public Examinations

The postholder will

• Support IGCSE and A Level practical examinations, including preparing and testing apparatus and materials and setting up laboratories and examination rooms in accordance with examination board requirements.
• Work closely with the Examinations Officer, Head of Science and relevant teaching staff to ensure that all practical examination requirements are met accurately and within required timescales.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of examination materials and provide permitted technical support during practical examinations where required.
• During the public examination period, provide reasonable practical and administrative support to the School's examination arrangements, including assistance with examination room preparation and set-up.
• Laboratory and Resource Management

The postholder will

• Take day-to-day responsibility for the organisation and effective operation of the science laboratories, preparation areas and stores.
• Maintain laboratories, preparation rooms and storage areas in a safe, clean, tidy and well organised condition.
• Maintain accurate inventories of scientific equipment and resources, including their location and condition.
• Monitor stock levels and order chemicals, equipment and consumables in consultation with the Head of Science.
• Source and purchase locally available materials and consumables required for practical science activities, including everyday items and biological materials, as necessary.
• Receive, check and safely store deliveries.
• Undertake regular stocktaking and contribute to forward planning for equipment and resource needs.
• Clean, maintain and undertake minor repairs to scientific equipment where appropriate, arranging specialist servicing or repair when necessary.
• Ensure relevant equipment checks, servicing and maintenance records are completed and retained.
• Manage the safe disposal of chemicals, biological materials and other laboratory waste.
• Identify and report maintenance issues affecting laboratories, preparation areas and scientific facilities.
• Health, Safety and Compliance

The postholder will

• Ensure that laboratories, preparation rooms, stores, equipment and practical activities are managed safely and in accordance with relevant legislation, School policies, COSHH requirements and current CLEAPSS guidance.
• Make effective use of the School's CLEAPSS membership, guidance and technical support services and undertake relevant training where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Science and teaching staff in the preparation, review and implementation of risk assessments for practical activities.
• Ensure the safe labelling, storage, handling and disposal of chemicals, hazardous substances and biological materials.
• Maintain appropriate inventories, safety records and compliance documentation.
• Undertake appropriate checks of laboratory equipment and safety equipment and report hazards, defects or compliance concerns promptly.
• Keep up to date with relevant developments in school laboratory practice, health and safety requirements and CLEAPSS guidance.
• Faculty and Wider School Support

The postholder will

• Work collaboratively with the School's three science teachers to ensure effective forward planning and coordination of practical work across the Faculty.
• Support the planning and delivery of the School's Science Fair, including the preparation of equipment, materials and practical demonstrations.
• Support Admissions events and Open Days, helping to showcase the Science Faculty and its practical provision to prospective students and families.
• Support student Induction Days and transition activities, including practical science activities and demonstrations.
• Support science competitions, enrichment activities and other Faculty events where appropriate.
• Contribute to the presentation of the laboratories and Science Faculty as welcoming, engaging and inspiring learning environments.
• Remain vigilant to safeguarding and welfare concerns and report these in accordance with School procedures.
• Administrative and General Support

The postholder will

• Undertake administrative tasks necessary for the effective operation of the Science Faculty, including maintaining records, inventories, purchasing records and departmental documentation.
• Support the Head of Science with ordering, invoice processing and monitoring expenditure.
• Liaise with suppliers, contractors and external organisations as required.
• Provide reasonable general administrative and practical support to the wider School where required and where compatible with the primary responsibilities of the role.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature and level of the post.
• Equal opportunities

St Bees School is committed to Equal Opportunities and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful candidate will be subject to satisfactory employment checks, references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check