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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead practical work in labs, greenhouses, and classrooms to inspire STEM education.
- Company: Join the National STEM Learning Centre, a hub for innovative STEM education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, pension scheme, and paid volunteering days.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives through hands-on STEM experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience as a technician with strong STEM knowledge and communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and innovation.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28800 £ per year.
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 per annum pro-rata.
Location: York
This is a term-time role, working full-time (37 hours a week) across Monday to Friday during term time plus 10 days.
The Role
Are you passionate about STEM education and eager to make a difference? Join our dynamic team at the National STEM Learning Centre as a Laboratory Technician: practical work lead. This is your chance to play a crucial role in maintaining and developing our state-of-the-art practical areas of the Centre, including laboratories, greenhouses, lecture theatres, and teaching rooms. You will take a leading role in the technician team on providing a quality practical work experience on our both courses and student science events at the National STEM Learning Centre.
What you'll do:
- Technical Services:
- Equipment Management: Identify, procure, and install equipment and materials for our laboratories and greenhouse.
- Course Support: Assist in the day-to-day running of the practical components of primary, secondary and technician courses, including preparation, maintenance, and organisation. Work with the Professional Learning Leader for the course to ensure the smooth running of activities.
- Health & Safety: Ensure safe and secure practical activities, manage waste disposal, and provide technical and health and safety advice where needed.
- Maintenance: Regularly check laboratory services and equipment, including fume cupboards, electrical safety, first aid equipment, and more.
- Stock Management: Support in taking stock, storage, procurement, maintenance, calibration, and repair of chemicals and equipment.
- Cleaning & Care: Contribute to the cleaning of laboratories and care for plants and animals in the greenhouse and garden areas.
- Technical Trials: Conduct trials of practical activities and prepare model risk assessments.
- AV & IT Support: Assist set up of basic audio-visual and IT equipment as needed, or help with requesting the additional technical support from the IT team.
There will be the opportunity to support senior team members with aspects of technician course development and delivery following appropriate training.
Our Ideal Candidate
Candidates will demonstrate our values: Sustainable – Innovative – Proactive. We're looking for a well-rounded individual:
- Experience as a technician in a secondary school or an FE college with excellent practical curriculum knowledge
- Experience with Health and Safety procedures
- Experience in equipment development
- Contributions to innovation within an educational context or similar
- Excellent communication and customer service skills
- Able to remain professional and flexible with the changing needs of the organisation
- An appreciation and understanding of STEM education and a commitment to the vision and mission of STEM Learning
About Us
At STEM Learning, we work to improve lives through STEM education. We are a purpose-driven organisation, supporting teachers through high-impact professional development, inspiring young people to build confidence and curiosity in STEM, and connecting schools with employers to grow the UK's future talent. Guided by our values, we focus our effort where it can make the greatest difference - helping all young people, whatever their background, to see themselves in STEM.
Our Benefits
- 30 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Access to an attractive pension scheme
- Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week
- Up to 3 paid volunteering leave days per year
- A comprehensive employee assistance programme
- Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more
Next Steps
Closing date for applications: 09:00 on Monday 2 February 2026; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are recommended.
To Apply
Please provide us with:
- Your up-to-date CV including the contact details of two referees (please note, references will not be approached without your permission and will not be taken up until the offer stage)
- A covering letter (no more than the equivalent of 2 sides of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you think you would be the ideal candidate.
STEM Learning strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and are committed to employing teams with diverse abilities, skills, and experiences. We foster a culture where every employee's voice is respected and valued.
Laboratory Technician (Practical Work Lead) in York employer: STEM Learning
Contact Detail:
STEM Learning Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Technician (Practical Work Lead) in York
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the STEM field, attend local events, and join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission in STEM education and think about how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in practical work and how it relates to the role of a Laboratory Technician.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at the National STEM Learning Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Technician (Practical Work Lead) in York
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to express your passion for STEM education and highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Keep it concise, ideally no more than two sides of A4, and don’t forget to show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Tailor Your CV: When applying, tailor your CV to reflect the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your technical expertise, health and safety knowledge, and any innovative contributions you've made in previous roles. We want to see what makes you stand out!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Laboratory Technician, communication is key! In your application, demonstrate your excellent communication and customer service skills. Use clear and professional language, and make sure to convey your ability to work well with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at STEM Learning
✨Know Your STEM Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of STEM education and practical work. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role, especially in terms of equipment management and health & safety procedures. Show them you’re passionate about making a difference in this field!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Laboratory Technician, you'll need to communicate effectively with both students and staff. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles or projects. This will demonstrate your ability to work well within a team and support course delivery.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Think about potential challenges you might face in the lab and how you would handle them. Be ready to discuss your approach to maintaining equipment, managing stock, and ensuring safety. This shows that you’re proactive and can think on your feet!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how they measure success in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
