Science Technician

Sunderland College; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday allowance 35-48 days

Pension scheme

Discounts platform

Dental & vision care

Free parking

Job summary

Sunderland College is seeking a dedicated Science Technician for the Sixth Form at Bede Campus. You will support A-Level science teaching, prepare equipment, and manage laboratory resources to ensure safe, effective lab sessions.

You’ll work within a team of technicians, maintaining lab safety and stock, while coordinating with teaching staff to deliver practicals and ensure smooth lessons.

Qualifications

• Maths & English at Level 2 or above.
• A-Level in at least one Science subject.
• Experience in a science laboratory and applying practical techniques.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver engaging science practicals aligned to the curriculum.
• Provide inclusive lab support for staff and students.
• Maintain and develop lab practices and records.
• Upskill technician capabilities through professional development.
• Coordinate with HE institutions and industry partners.
• Keep the prep-room and chemical store organized and stocked.
• Ensure health and safety protocols are followed in the lab.

Skills

Science laboratory experience

Health & safety compliance

Laboratory equipment handling

Strong communication

Education

Level 2 Maths & English

A-levels in Science

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the College

Sunderland College has been delivering highly successful courses for more than 20 years and is one of the largest providers of post-16 education in the North East with approximately 14,300 students.

The College has two campuses across the city of Sunderland, offering a wide range of academic and vocational provision for school leavers and adults. The College aims to develop and positively shape lives, communities, and the economy through teaching, learning and development of skills. Our students consistently achieve outstanding results and Sunderland College has been ranked in the top 25% in the country for student achievement rates.

In October 2024, we were ranked as Ofsted outstanding, and we are proud of our diverse student and staff community that provide our students with bespoke education pathways to help them achieve their future career goals.

Please see the following link to our 2024 Ofsted Report, in which we were graded as being Outstanding across all areas - Ofsted-Report-Outstanding

Our Journey & Values

As an employer, we prioritise cultivating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture, where our staff can thrive and grow. We recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to investing in their professional development and overall wellbeing.

Taking Teaching Further & Additional Incentives

If you're making the move into further education teaching, you may be eligible for the Taking Teaching Further (TTF) programme a funded route to help industry professionals retrain as FE teachers.

In addition, for roles in high-need subjects or regions you may also benefit from the government's targeted retention incentive (formerly "levelling-up premium") payments, worth up to £6,000 for eligible teachers in their first five years and teaching certain shortage subjects.

Please note eligibility for both TTF and the Targeted Retention Incentive varies by role, subject area and provider, they do not apply to every vacancy.

Find out more about both initiatives through the links below.

• Taking Teaching Further - Taking Teaching Further
• Targeted Retention Incentive - Targeted Retention Incentive

About the Candidate:

• You will have a passion for sharing their scientific knowledge to inspire and support our students;
• You will be required to demonstrate engaging and innovative planning of and assistance with Science practical's supporting both teaching staff and students;
• You will prepare equipment for lessons and have responsibility for the maintenance of resources;
• You will supervise the health and safety practice during lessons where specialist equipment is used;
• You will ideally possess a minimum of Science, English and Maths GCSE's or equivalent, have A levels (or equivalent) in at least one Science subject; and experience of working within a science laboratory.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has now arisen within our busy and thriving Sixth Form based at Bede Campus, Sunderland College. Working in a suite of three science laboratories, we are seeking to appoint a Science Technician to work as a part of a friendly and successful team providing an efficient and effective range of technical support to our A-Level subject specialists and students. You will be responsible for supporting the teaching staff and students in the preparation of equipment, apparatus, materials and chemicals, the conduct of practical work, the application of health and safety policies and the proper management and maintenance of laboratories and associated rooms.

Role Responsibilities

• Planning and delivery of engaging and innovative curriculum-based Science practicals
• Provision of inclusive support for staff and students' lab-practical experience
• Maintenance and development of appropriate lab practicals and record keeping
• Engagement in appropriate technician-upskilling professional development
• Engagement with HE institutions and industry
• Effective maintenance of an organised, well-stocked technician's prep-room and chemical store
• Ensure a strong focus of lab and technician prep-room health and safety protocols

Qualifications

• Maths & English qualifications at Level 2 or above
• A-Level (or equivalent) qualification in at least on Science subject

Essential Skills & Experience

• Appropriate experience within a Science laboratory
• Effective use of practical techniques, strategies and equipment
• Appropriate experience within education and/or industry settings
• Confidence in the use and demonstration of specialist equipment and technology in the laboratory
• Confidence and expertise in the safe preparation and use of chemicals, and other hazardous materials
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively collaborate with others
• Strong organisational, time-management and communication skills

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Ongoing and up to date professional upskilling and training
• Engagement and collaboration with HE institutions and/or industry and organisations
• Experience of stock-checking and ordering of new materials/resources
• Knowledge and awareness of FE / A-Level science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) practical activity requirements
• Strong digital skills in Microsoft Office

What's in it for you?

Join EPNE and you'll be part of a culture that prioritises your development and wellbeing, which is why all employees receive an extensive benefits package.

• Enjoy a generous holiday allowance ranging between 35-48 days per year, plus public holidays - (Excluding Term Time Only contracts)
• Generous family leave and flexible working options (dependent on role)
• LGPS or Teacher Pensions Scheme - depending on role
• Access to myLifestyle benefits platform providing retail discounts and more.
• We offer dental, eye care & health cash plans.
• Extensive wellbeing support through a digital Wellbeing Hub that offers a broad range of support for physical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
• Free parking on most campuses.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

At Education Partnership North East (EPNE), we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We know that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams to enhance the education and support we provide to our learners and communities.

We recognise that talented individuals may not always follow a traditional career path and may hesitation to apply unless they meet every requirement. If you are excited about the role and believe you can make a positive contribution, we encourage you to apply.

As a Disability Confident Employer and Armed Forces Covenant Member, and with Ofsted Outstanding status across all campuses, we are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive, and high-performing environment where everyone can thrive.

Due to the nature of this post, you will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure Check.

We believe in equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We are committed to PREVENT and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Please contact Adam Sams (Director of Sunderland Sixth Form) - [e-mail] - should you wish to have an informal chat about the role.