Science Technician (Part Time)

Cognita Ltd; Ashtead; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Downsend School, part of Cognita Ltd, is seeking a part-time Science Technician to support its science department. The successful candidate will play a vital role in maintaining a high-quality learning environment, assisting in practical lessons, and ensuring the safety of lab operations. This position offers an engaging opportunity to contribute to student success while being part of a dynamic educational community.

Benefits

Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience

Free lunch provided during Term Time

School holidays and public holidays

Free parking on site

School fee discount

Exclusive third-party discounts

Professional Development

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic and proactive individual with a passion for science.
• Strong organisational abilities and keen eye for safety.
• Confident in handling scientific equipment.

Responsibilities

• Support high-quality teaching and learning across the science department.
• Prepare and maintain practical equipment for lessons.
• Ensure a safe and organised laboratory environment.

Skills

Organisational skills

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Job description

About the School - Downsend Sixth
We are incredibly proud to be opening Downsend Sixth and see this next chapter for Downsend School as an exciting and enticing prospect for both staff and students alike. The buildings, environment and experience will give our students an excellent foundation on which to build their own futures.

Downsend Sixth will have a different feel to other more traditional sixth form experiences, housed in its own newly renovated space near the centre of Leatherhead, there will remain a connection with the rest of the Downsend community, but students will have a much greater chance to cultivate independence, maturity and a real opportunity for personal growth. The building will have state of the art technology and facilities that will allow all students to develop and flourish.

Our curriculum is broad enough to give real depth to each individual and students will be supported by expert teachers who will deliver outstanding lessons. We will provide expert guidance on future pathways, whether that be going to university, into the world of work or starting an apprenticeship course.

At Downsend we are very conscious that the world our students will step into when they leave us is rapidly evolving and changing, and we have a critical role to play in preparing the global citizens and workforces of the future. Our Head of Futures, along with other staff will be on hand to help support and guide our students as they think about next steps.

In an increasingly interconnected world, future workers will be expected to collaborate with peers residing in various parts of the globe, understand cultural nuances and, in many cases, use digital tools to enable these new types of interactions. Our Future Skills programme will allow our students to connect with this wider world and being part of Cognita, a global educational group who have 108 schools located in 17 different countries, will facilitate so many more opportunities for these experiences to present themselves.

The school now has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic Science Technician to join our fantastic team.

About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, 'Thrive in a rapidly evolving world'.

About the role
As a Science Technician at Downsend School, you will play a vital role in supporting high-quality teaching and learning across our science department. Working closely with teaching staff, you will prepare and maintain practical equipment, set up demonstrations, and ensure that lessons run smoothly and safely. Your role will be essential in maintaining a safe, organised, and inspiring laboratory environment. You will also contribute to curriculum delivery by assisting in practical lessons, managing resources, and supporting pupils when needed-all while upholding the school's commitment to safeguarding and high standards.

This is a part-time, permanent role with a late August 2025 start date.

To view a full job description, click here.

Who we are looking for:
You are an enthusiastic and proactive individual with a passion for science and education. Whether you're experienced or looking to build your skills in a school setting, you bring strong organisational abilities, a keen eye for safety, and a willingness to support both staff and pupils. You are calm under pressure, confident in handling scientific equipment, and always ready to go the extra mile. With a cheerful and professional manner, you enjoy working as part of a team and are eager to contribute to the wider life of a busy, ambitious school. Above all, you take pride in playing a hands-on role in helping students thrive in science.

Benefits at Cognita
Competitive salary depending upon qualifications and experience
Free lunch provided during Term Time
School holidays and public holidays
Free parking on site
School fee discount
Exclusive third-party discounts
Professional Development

How to Apply
Complete this application before the closing date. The Closing Date for Applications is: 6th July 2025

Cognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.

Early applications are encouraged, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to closing date for the right applicant.