Science Technician

ARK SCHOOLS; City Of London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in London is seeking a Science Technician to support the delivery of practical science education. Responsibilities include preparing materials for lessons, ensuring safety compliance, and managing laboratory equipment. The ideal candidate will have a relevant scientific diploma and experience in an educational environment. This role offers competitive remuneration and excellent benefits.

Benefits

Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale

Twice as many training days as standard

Generous pension scheme

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in providing technical support in a school or educational setting.
• Understanding of biology, chemistry, and physics laboratory practices.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments for scientific experiments.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials and equipment for practical lessons.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of laboratories.
• Maintain accurate inventory of science materials and chemicals.

Skills

Technical support

Laboratory management

Safety compliance

Inventory management

Education

Relevant scientific diploma or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Safety equipment

Job description

About The Role

The Science Technician plays a vital role in supporting the effective delivery of practical science education within a school. They provide technical support to teachers and students across biology, chemistry, and physics, ensuring that all practical lessons run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Science Technicians help maintain a high standard of practical science by preparing, maintaining, and managing laboratory equipment, materials, and resources.

Overview of the role

The Science Technician plays a vital role in supporting the effective delivery of practical science education within a school. They provide technical support to teachers and students across biology, chemistry, and physics, ensuring that all practical lessons run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Science Technicians help maintain a high standard of practical science by preparing, maintaining, and managing laboratory equipment, materials, and resources.

Key Responsibilities: Practical and Technical Support

• Prepare, set up, and clear away materials and equipment for science lessons (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics).
• Provide direct technical assistance during practical sessions when required.
• Trial and risk-assess experiments prior to classroom use.
• Support teachers in developing engaging and innovative practical activities aligned with curriculum objectives.
• Assist classroom teachers, as directed, in producing creative classroom displays that enhance teaching and learning.
• Prepare demonstration materials and models for teachers as needed.

Health, Safety, and Compliance

• Maintain science laboratories and prep rooms in a safe, organised, and clean condition.
• Ensure compliance with COSHH, CLEAPSS, and all relevant health and safety legislation.
• Conduct regular safety inspections of laboratories, fume cupboards, and safety apparatus.
• Maintain and update risk assessments and safety data sheets (SDS) for all practical activities.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is available, maintained, and correctly used.
• Safely manage the storage, labelling, and disposal of hazardous substances and waste materials.
• Promote and model safe working practices among students and staff.

Resource and Equipment Management

• Maintain an accurate inventory of science materials, apparatus, and chemicals.
• Monitor stock levels and order supplies in a cost-effective and timely manner.
• Calibrate, test, and maintain laboratory equipment, reporting faults and arranging repairs as necessary.
• Ensure all scientific instruments and ICT-based equipment are functioning properly and updated.
• Support sustainability by managing resources efficiently and minimising waste.

Support for Curriculum and Development

• Assist teachers in designing and implementing new practical activities and experiments.
• Support the delivery of STEM initiatives and enrichment activities such as Science Clubs, fairs, and competitions.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and students on the correct use of scientific equipment and procedures.
• Keep up to date with developments in science education, laboratory techniques, and new technologies.
• Contribute to the ongoing review and improvement of departmental procedures and resources.

Administration and Communication

• Maintain accurate records of equipment use, maintenance, repairs, and incidents.
• Work collaboratively with teaching and technical staff across all science disciplines.
• Participate in departmental and whole-school meetings, contributing ideas for improvement.
• Assist with administrative duties such as photocopying, filing, and data entry on departmental spreadsheets.
• Communicate effectively with suppliers, contractors, and external agencies when sourcing or repairing equipment.

Other

• Carry out other reasonable tasks as directed by the Executive Principal and ALT.
• To work collaboratively as a member of the Business Support Team.
• To carry out first aid duties, if required • To undertake fire marshal duties, if required.
• To undertake lunch till duties, if required • To undertake corridor duties, if required.
• To be willing to undertake appropriate training in line with contractual duties.
• To be flexible in regard to working hours.
• Attend and support out of hours’ academy events e.g., summer fair, parents’ evenings.

Benefits

• Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
• Twice as many training days as standard.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
• Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
• Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.

Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at https://arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.

About Us

We are a mixed all-through school that caters for children from nursery age through to sixth form. We have the highest aspirations for all our children to ensure they are prepared for university and inspired to be leaders in their community. We offer our students a first-class education based on high quality teaching and experiences outside of the classroom.

Our school was recognised by the Government in its Parliamentary Review as an example of good practice in education and we are ranked in the top 10% of schools nationally. All of our sixth form students received a university offer with 73% of those being a top 3rd university.

We pride ourselves on the relationships our staff have with our students, caring for them throughout their education. We also work closely with families to ensure that all our students are committed to learning and develop the character necessary to take advantage of all the opportunities we provide.

Visit arkglobe.org/jobs to learn more about us and see our current vacancies.

Diversity and inclusion

We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective. To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on thislink.

Safeguarding statement

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred. To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click thislink.

Please note we will be reviewing applications on an on-going basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.