Technician - Science (Chemistry)

The Sixth Form Bolton; Bolton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Bolton seeks a Science Technician to support practical teaching in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Responsibilities include preparing materials, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safe lab conditions. Ideal candidates should have a GCSE in Science and strong organisational skills. The position offers a salary of £22,008 per annum, with additional benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, health plan, and subsidised parking.

Benefits

Local Government Pension Scheme

Occupational sickness scheme

Discounted gym membership

Fully subsidised hot beverages

Qualifications

• Experience in a science/lab environment is desirable but not essential.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to follow procedures accurately.
• GCSE Science (or equivalent) is required; additional qualifications and lab safety training are beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials, apparatus, and resources for practical activities.
• Set up and clear laboratories efficiently for lessons.
• Maintain, clean, and check equipment.
• Contribute to health & safety systems and good lab practice.

Skills

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Reliability

Ability to follow procedures

Education

GCSE Science or equivalent

Job description

Science Technician (Term Time Only)

A vacancy has arisen for a Science Technician in our large and successful Science Department. The role supports practical teaching across A Level and Vocational Biology, Chemistry and Physics courses and plays a vital part in ensuring practical lessons run smoothly by preparing resources, maintaining equipment and helping to keep our laboratories safe, clean and ready for use. Start date: ASAP to enable an effective crossover and handover with the current postholder.

Responsibilities

• Prepare materials, apparatus and resources for practical activities
• Set up and clear laboratories efficiently for lessons
• Maintain, clean and check equipment
• Support stock control and safe storage of chemicals and materials
• Contribute to health & safety systems and good lab practice
• Ensure laboratories are prepared and ready for each practical lesson
• Assist in managing the flow of practical classes during term time
• Help keep the department’s scientific environment organised and running smoothly

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience in a science/lab environment is desirable, but not essential.
• Strong organisation, attention to detail, reliability and the ability to follow procedures accurately.
• GCSE Science (or equivalent) is required; additional science qualifications and/or lab safety/COSHH training are beneficial (training can be provided).

Working Pattern & Core Hours

Term Time Only – working pattern aligned with the academic year, with more predictable downtime across the year. Core hours: 8.30am – 4.30pm. Breaks: 45 minutes total per day, taken flexibly to fit around the timetable and practical requirements.

Salary

• Scale Point 7: £25,951 (full‑time equivalent)
• Actual salary: £22,008 per annum (pro‑rata), based on 39 working weeks plus 5.1 weeks' holiday pay
• Holiday pay increases after 2 years' service and again after 5 years' service, reflecting additional holiday entitlement earned through length of service

Benefits

• Local Government Pension Scheme with significant employer contribution (currently 23.4%)
• Occupational sickness scheme
• Occupational maternity, paternity and shared parental leave schemes
• Family Friendly Policy
• Fully subsidised parking in a covered, secure car park
• Employee Assistance Service
• Health Plan Benefit Scheme/Subsidised eye tests
• Discounted gym membership
• Fully subsidised hot beverages and filtered chilled water
• Staff wellbeing days
• Subsidised staff Christmas party
• On‑site bistro with Costa Coffee
• Very close to town centre amenities
• Excellent transport links, within ½ mile of the bus and rail interchange

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate pre‑employment checks (including an enhanced DBS check).

How to Apply

Early applications are strongly encouraged. We reserve the right to invite strong candidates to interview on receipt of an application and may close the vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received. To apply, please complete the online application form via our website.