Laboratory General Assistant

Whitgift School; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Money purchase pension

Employee discount club

Healthcare plan

Discounted school fees

Job summary

Whitgift School in Croydon is seeking a Laboratory General Assistant to support the Science Department during term-time. The role focuses on keeping laboratories and preparation areas tidy, well-stocked and ready for practical lessons, and ensuring safe, compliant laboratories.

You will work both independently and with staff, assisting technicians and teachers, with full training provided for specific procedures. A generous benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• Reliable and proactive with ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Ability to maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety and organisation in busy science facilities.

Responsibilities

• Clean, maintain and store laboratory glassware and equipment.
• Monitor stock levels and support waste disposal processes.
• Maintain safety compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH and departmental procedures.
• Support technicians and teaching staff and assist with departmental activities.

Job description

Permanent, Full-Time, Term-Time only Contract

Salary: The full-time salary is Point 18 - £33,147 to Point 20 - £34,904 gross pay per annum depending on qualifications and relevant experience. The pro rata salary range is £26,517 to £27,923 to reflect Term Time only.

Whitgift is one of Britain’s leading independent boarding and day schools for boys aged between 10 and 18 years, with approximately 1500 pupils and over one hundred boarding or flexi-boarding pupils. It is set in an attractive 48-acre parkland site in South Croydon enjoying excellent links to London, Surrey and the south coast.

The Laboratory General Assistant will provide practical and operational support to the Science Technical Team, helping to ensure laboratories and preparation areas are organised, well-stocked and ready to support the safe and effective delivery of practical science lessons. Key responsibilities include the cleaning, maintenance and storage of laboratory glassware and equipment, monitoring stock levels, supporting waste disposal processes and maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and organisation across science facilities. Full training will be provided for duties requiring specific laboratory knowledge or procedures.

The successful candidate will be reliable, proactive and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a busy environment. They will contribute to the smooth day-to-day operation of the Science Department by supporting technicians, teaching staff and departmental activities, whilst maintaining compliance with Health & Safety, COSHH and departmental procedures. Success in the role will be measured through the consistent maintenance of clean and safe laboratories, timely preparation and turnaround of equipment, accurate stock management, positive feedback from colleagues, and a flexible, professional approach to supporting the wider life of the School.

In return, we offer a generous salary and benefits package, including a money purchase pension scheme (with Life Assurance), access to an Employee Discount Club, membership of a healthcare plan, discounted school fees for permanent posts within the Foundation, and a supportive working environment with opportunities for training and development.

We welcome applications from all parts of our community as we aspire to attract staff that match the social and cultural diversity of our student intake.