Science Lab Technician — Educational Lab Support

Old School Ties; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 167,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School is seeking a Laboratory Support/Technician to set up and maintain classroom and lab equipment for Physical Science and Life Sciences. You will prepare materials, maintain inventories, and support teachers in practical demonstrations.

Your role requires attention to safety, accuracy in records, and the ability to work with students and staff. A Grade 12 with science subjects is essential; additional lab training is advantageous.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement is Grade 12 with merit in Physical Science and Life Sciences
• A suitable tertiary qualification that includes practical laboratory training would be an advantage
• Experience in chemical solution preparation and use of specialist equipment
• Excellent scientific and technical knowledge and good IT skills
• Ability to compile and maintain inventory
• The ability to cope with competing demands
• Knowledge of laboratory health and safety procedures
• Strong communication skills – ability to relate to both staff and students
• Ability to plan and organise work and to work independently
• Strong practical and organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload

Responsibilities

• Set up and pack away experiments and demonstrations required by the various department staff (Physical Science, Life and Natural Sciences)
• Prepare equipment and chemicals before lessons – from test tubes to microscopes
• Ensure that equipment is properly cleaned and that chemicals, drugs and other materials are appropriately stored
• Record and dispose of equipment and chemicals which are unusable
• Collecting fresh plant matter and animal material
• Making up solutions and reagents
• Liaise with Heads of Subjects regarding equipment and chemical requirements
• Obtain quotes, order, and take receipt of equipment and chemicals as required
• Purchase and collect any consumables required for practical work
• Maintain annual inventories and manage general stock control for equipment and chemicals
• Liaise with academic staff to discuss timetables and work plans
• Maintain and repair equipment and laboratory apparatus
• Support teachers in classes and lab sessions and give technical advice
• Ensure health and safety procedures are understood and followed
• General academic administrative support functions including text book control, invigilation, typing, exam support, attending meetings and events

Skills

Communication

Organization

Independent work

Health and safety

IT skills

Education

Grade 12 with merit in Physical Science and Life Sciences

Tertiary qualification with lab training

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Inventory management

Chemistry lab practices

Job description

Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School is seeking a Laboratory Support/Technician to set up and maintain classroom and lab equipment for Physical Science and Life Sciences. You will prepare materials, maintain inventories, and support teachers in practical demonstrations.

Your role requires attention to safety, accuracy in records, and the ability to work with students and staff. A Grade 12 with science subjects is essential; additional lab training is advantageous.