Laboratory Technician

Claires Court; Thatcham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established educational institution in Thatcham is looking for a Laboratory Technician to support the Senior School Science Department. The role involves maintaining laboratories, assisting teachers, and ensuring Health & Safety compliance. The ideal candidate should possess a strong science background, relevant laboratory experience, and a commitment to child safeguarding. This full-time role provides a chance to work within a dedicated team and contribute to enhancing students' learning experiences.

Qualifications

• Must have relevant experience in a laboratory environment.
• Understanding of CLEAPSS guidance is essential.
• Commitment to safeguarding children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Maintain laboratories and scientific equipment.
• Assist science teachers with practical work setup.
• Conduct risk assessments and maintain Health & Safety documentation.

Skills

Strong science background

Experience handling chemicals

Understanding of laboratory Health & Safety

Organizational skills

Creative thinking

Job description

Job Title: Laboratory Technician – Senior School

Location: Claires Court School

Hours: Full-time, 5 days per week (c. 36 weeks per year)

Working Hours: 8:30 am – 4:00/5:00 pm (depending on availability)

Start Date: As soon as possible

About Claires Court School

At Claires Court, our aim is to develop our boys and girls to succeed in life. We achieve this by having a strong and coherent learning philosophy, called the Claires Court Essentials. This is underpinned by our Key Values and together they help develop happy young people with deep feelings of self‑worth and self‑belief.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Laboratory Technician to join our Senior School Science Department. This is a varied and hands‑on role, supporting the smooth running of our highly committed team. The successful candidate will play a key role in enhancing students' learning experiences by assisting with the preparation of materials, apparatus, and practical work across a range of science disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance

• Maintain laboratories and scientific equipment, including microscopes, apparatus, and chemicals.
• Undertake stock checks, manage orders and deliveries, and maintain departmental financial records.
• Carry out minor equipment repairs or coordinate external repairs as needed.
• Organise safe storage of chemicals and equipment.
• Trial new experiments and investigate potential issues.
• Ensure laboratories are tidy, secure, and well‑stocked with necessary equipment and materials.
• Conduct risk assessments and maintain Health & Safety documentation.
• Keep up to date with developments in practical science and safety standards.

Operational Support

• Assist science teachers in planning and setting up practical work in line with schemes of work and lesson objectives.
• Prepare materials, solutions, and apparatus for lessons.
• Collect, check, and return equipment after lessons.
• Undertake laboratory cleaning and safely dispose of waste materials.
• Prepare equipment for science clubs, open days, and other events.
• Assist with classroom displays and enrichment of science areas.

General Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training.
• Uphold the School's professional and safeguarding standards.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety policies and GDPR.
• Promote the welfare and safeguarding of children, participating in all required training.

Person Specification

To succeed in this role, you must:

• Have a strong science background.
• Possess relevant experience handling chemicals and scientific equipment.
• Have a good understanding of laboratory Health & Safety, including CLEAPSS guidance.
• Be committed to the safeguarding of children and young people.
• Be flexible, organised, and able to think creatively within a hardworking and open team.

The chance to work as part of a dedicated team within a thriving Science Department.

Applications must be received by 8:00 am on Monday 15 December 2025. Please apply early, as we will consider applications upon receipt; we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date.

How to Apply

Please click to apply for the role today.

Other suitable skills and experience include

• Science Technician
• Practical science support
• Laboratory equipment
• Science department assistant management
• Risk assessments
• Science lab support