Senior Science Laboratory and Food Department Technician

• Job type:
  
  Senior Science Laboratory and Food Department Technician
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Work pattern:
  
  Part-time
• Salary:
  
  Please see below
• Date posted:
  Monday 21 September 2026
• Closing date for applications:
  Monday 12 October 2026
• Employer:
  
  Westmorland and Furness Council

Senior Science Laboratory and Food Department technician

Permanent post, part time and suitable for job share, John Ruskin School. Daily start and finish times to be discussed and agreed. 30 hours per week, 38 weeks of term time plus three INSET days a year.

PCD5, scale point 6 pro-rata; £17,858.24 (plus annual leave entitlement based on continuous years of service).

• Oversee daily science laboratory operations, prep rooms, and practical lesson setups across biology, chemistry, and physics.
• Maintain rigorous chemical and biological safety standards, including COSHH compliance, CLEAPSS guidelines, and risk assessments.
• Manage laboratory equipment maintenance, chemical inventory, stock ordering, and science department budgets.

• HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) implementation and monitoring
• Allergen management and control
• Food safety training completion and application
• Food sample preparation and storage
• Set up for demonstrations and investigations
• Managing product collection and safe storage
• Upkeep of room, deep cleaning rota e.g ovens, sinks, food waste refuse

• Significant experience working in a school or commercial science laboratory, ideally in a senior or lead capacity.
• In-depth knowledge of science lab safety protocols (COSHH, CLEAPSS, ISO standards).
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage inventories and mentor staff.
• Basic knowledge of food hygiene/HACCP standards (or a willingness to undertake relevant training).

Are you looking for a new challenge? John Ruskin School (Coniston, LA21) is seeking a dedicated Senior Lab Technician to support our science and food departments. The job is advertised as a part time role but could be split for two people in a job share, one supporting science and one food. Please make it clear in your application if this applies to you.

You will lead the day-to-day operation of our science laboratories, ensuring practical lessons run safely, efficiently, and effectively. As Senior Science Technician, you will oversee laboratory safety, manage equipment and chemical inventories. A secondary aspect of this role involves providing support to the Food Technology department.

If you’re proactive, detail-orientated, and committed to supporting the learning of young people in a close-knit school community, we’d love to hear from you.

Safeguarding:
John Ruskin School (Coniston, LA21) is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All posts are subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

Closing date: 9am Monday 12 October 2026
Interviews:
Date to be confirmed

Contact:  or  if you would like an informal discussion about the post with Head of Science Dr Elizabeth Rawlinson.

A person specification and job description for this vacancy are on

John Ruskin School
Lake Road
Coniston
LA21 8EW