Senior Technician (Science) (Thetford)

Inspiration Trust; Tetford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS Pension

Health Plan

Cycle-to-work

Free parking

CPD & induction

Induction programme

Job summary

Thetford Academy, part of Inspiration Trust, is seeking a Senior Technician (Science) to support teaching and learning in the science department. You will manage laboratories, equipment and resources, ensuring safety and high standards across practical activities.

We welcome candidates with a scientific background and lab experience, capable of working with staff and students to deliver engaging, safe laboratory sessions. Competitive benefits include LGPS and professional development.

Qualifications

• Scientific background and lab technician experience.
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills.
• Ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Good communication skills, written and spoken.

Responsibilities

• Deliver a safe, efficient laboratory service for science teaching.
• Organise, prepare and maintain laboratories, equipment and resources.
• Provide expert technical advice to staff and support practical activities.
• Manage stock, budgeting, procurement and resources for curricula.
• Review and improve laboratory systems to support teaching quality.

Skills

Lab technician experience

Strong communication

Attention to detail

Team player

Job description

Salary: Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)

Location: Thetford Academy, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH

Salary: Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)

Permanent

Full Time: 37 hours per week from Monday to Friday

Working Weeks: 39 weeks

Start Date: January 2027

Thetford Academy is looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and reliable Senior Technician (Science) with excellent communication and interpersonal skills to join our department. If you are enthusiastic about science and enjoy inspiring others, this is a wonderful opportunity to use your skills and develop your experience within a friendly team.

What You’ll Be Doing

• In accordance with the school’s policies, practices and health and safety procedures, ensure the delivery of a safe, effective and efficient laboratory technical service to support teaching and learning across the science department.
• Take full responsibility for the organisation, preparation and maintenance of laboratories, equipment and resources, ensuring compliance with all relevant health and safety regulations and best practice guidance.
• Provide expert technical advice and support to teaching staff, contributing to the planning and delivery of practical activities that enhance pupil learning. Support classroom activities where appropriate, assisting staff and pupils to ensure practical work is carried out safely and effectively.
• Manage stock control, budgeting, procurement and resource development to meet curriculum needs, maintaining high standards of organisation and readiness.
• Continually review and improve laboratory systems and procedures, promoting innovation and maintaining a high-quality technical service that supports outstanding teaching and learning.

It is desirable that the successful candidate has attended the CLEAPSS Health and Safety for Science Technicians course (or equivalent). The postholder will be required to undertake this training upon appointment if not already completed, and to renew this training every three years in line with best practice and regulatory guidance.

About You:

The successful candidate will possess strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as good communication skills. You will be meticulous, organised, reliable, adaptable, and have a solid grasp of science fundamentals, alongside the practical ability to operate lab equipment and follow strict safety protocols.

• Scientific background, previous experience as a lab technician
• Ability to build good working relationships with stakeholders, working well with children and adults
• Ability to work constructively and flexibly as part of a team
• Good communication skills, both written and spoken

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

*Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Thetford Academy is a remarkable place to work and sits at the academic and cultural heart of its community. Our pupils follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for future challenges while fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the world. They are supported in developing strong values and habits that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.

Joining Thetford Academy means becoming part of a committed, supportive, and ambitious team. Staff benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, collaborative networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are passionate about education and inspiring students to achieve their full potential, this is the place to grow your career.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.

The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

In its 2025 inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Thetford Academy has continued to provide a high-quality education, with excellent behaviour, a well-sequenced curriculum and impressive personal development opportunities. Pupils are proud to attend the school, feel safe, and benefit from committed staff and strong leadership.

Closing date for applications: 12noon on Friday 20th November 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 2nd December 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

About You:The successful candidate will possess strong attention to detail, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as good communication skills. You will be meticulous, organised, reliable, adaptable, and have a solid grasp of science fundamentals, alongside the practical ability to operate lab equipment and follow strict safety protocols.Essential:- Good numeracy/literacy skills- Scientific background, previous experience as a lab technician- Ability to build good working relationships with stakeholders, working well with children and adults- Ability to work constructively and flexibly as part of a team- Good communication skills, both written and spoken

Essential

• Good numeracy/literacy skills
• Scientific background, previous experience as a lab technician
• Ability to build good working relationships with stakeholders, working well with children and adults
• Ability to work constructively and flexibly as part of a team
• Good communication skills, both written and spoken

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale C: £11,843 to £12,029 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£25,614 - £26,016 full time/full year equivalent)