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.

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…