Graduate Assistant - Chemistry Technician in Guildford

Graduate Assistant - Chemistry Technician in Guildford

Guildford Temporary 18000 - 24000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
St Catherine's School

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Prepare and maintain resources for chemistry practical lessons in a supportive environment.
  • Company: St Catherine's, a friendly and collaborative school with a strong science department.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable hands-on experience and develop skills in a school laboratory setting.
  • Other info: Part-time role (15 hours/week) with a one-year fixed term contract.
  • Why this job: Perfect for recent graduates looking to kickstart their career in education or science.
  • Qualifications: A science background and excellent organisational skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 24000 £ per year.

St Catherine's seeks to appoint a reliable, organised and enthusiastic Graduate Assistant - Chemistry Technician to join our busy and supportive Chemistry Department from September on a one year fixed term contract.

This role would suit a recent graduate in a scientific discipline or someone with a strong interest in chemistry and laboratory work.

Working closely with teaching staff, the successful candidate will play a vital role in preparing and maintaining resources for practical lessons, helping to ensure a safe, efficient and well-run learning environment for our students.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare chemical solutions and practical materials.
  • Set up, organise and clear away equipment for lessons and demonstrations.
  • Check equipment and materials before and after use for quantities and condition.
  • Clean, wash and maintain glassware and laboratory equipment to a high standard.
  • Ensure laboratories are kept clean, safe, and well‑organised, supporting the smooth day‑to‑day running of a busy department.
  • Support the safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, waste materials and broken glass.
  • Work in accordance with laboratory health and safety requirements, including COSHH regulations, ensuring the safe preparation, handling and storage of chemicals and equipment.
  • Assist with stock control, inventory management and ordering of equipment and consumables.

Qualifications

  • A science background (degree or equivalent desirable).
  • Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
  • The ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Good communication skills and a collaborative, positive approach.
  • A proactive, can‑do attitude.
  • Reliability, punctuality and effective time management.
  • Willingness to undertake routine practical tasks and hands‑on duties as part of maintaining an efficient laboratory environment.
  • The ability to manage practical, physical tasks and contribute flexibly to the day‑to‑day needs of the department.
  • An understanding of laboratory health and safety (or willingness to learn).
  • A clear commitment to maintaining high standards of health and safety.

What We Offer

A friendly and supportive Science department.

Valuable hands‑on experience in a school laboratory setting.

A role well‑suited to graduates considering careers in education, science or laboratory work.

This is a temporary, part‑time position (15 hours per week, term time only).

One year fixed term contract from September 2026 until July 2027.

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St Catherine's School

Contact Details:

St Catherine's School Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Assistant - Chemistry Technician in Guildford

Know Your Seasonal Hiring Patterns

Chemistry gigs often pop up during specific times of the year, especially in industries like pharmaceuticals or agriculture. Keep an eye out for temporary roles around graduation seasons or before big project launches; they’re usually when companies like St Catherine's School ramp up their hiring!

Get Involved with Local Networking Groups

Join local chemistry groups or attend community events related to your field. Not only do these gatherings help us meet like-minded folk, but they can also lead to temporary job openings that might not be advertised online. Plus, you can impress potential employers in person!

Show Off Your Skills with Practical Projects

Have some side projects or experiments? Showcase them! Whether it’s on social media or in a portfolio, having a visual representation of your skills can set you apart. Plus, it gives us something to chat about with recruiters or during interviews, making us memorable.

Apply Through Us for Better Chances

When hunting for temp roles, make sure to apply through our website. We often have exclusive listings, and you’ll be in the right place to find opportunities tailored for chemistry enthusiasts like us. Keep that eye on St Catherine's School for the latest!

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Assistant - Chemistry Technician in Guildford

Laboratory Skills
Chemical Preparation
Equipment Maintenance
Health and Safety Compliance
COSHH Regulations
Organisational Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Lab Skills:For a temporary role in chemistry, it’s crucial to showcase your lab skills. Include specific techniques or instruments you're proficient with in your CV, as well as any relevant coursework or projects that demonstrate your practical experience. This will help you stand out as a candidate ready to hit the ground running!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Project:Make sure your cover letter is tailored to the specific temporary project you'll be working on. Show enthusiasm for the tasks and explain how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role. We want to see your motivation and how you can make an impact quickly at St Catherine's School!

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications related to chemical safety or laboratory techniques, don’t forget to list them in your application. Temporary roles often require quick compliance with health and safety regulations, so this can really set you apart from other candidates!

Flexible Availability Is Key:Since this is a temporary position, clearly state your availability in your application. If you can start immediately or have flexible hours, let St Catherine's School know! This shows you're ready to adapt and step in as needed.

How to prepare for a job interview at St Catherine's School

Get Your Lab Skills Sharp

As you're applying for a temporary role in chemistry, make sure you're up-to-date on your practical lab skills. Expect to discuss specific techniques you've mastered, like titration or chromatography. If you can, try to reference a recent project or experiment that shows off your hands-on experience.

Brush Up on Safety Protocols

Safety is a massive deal in the chemistry field. Be prepared to answer questions about safety protocols, handling chemicals, and lab safety standards. You might even get hypothetical scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of proper lab practices.

Show Your Flexibility

Since this is a temporary position, companies often look for candidates who can adapt quickly. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve stepped into a role or task rapidly, or where you’ve had to learn on the job. This shows you're ready to hit the ground running!

Tailor Your CV for the Role

Ensure your CV is tailored to the specific temporary role in chemistry you’re applying for at St Catherine's School. Focus on highlighting relevant coursework, lab experiences, and any short-term projects. This helps the interviewers see your potential contribution right from the start.