Science Laboratory Assistant

Haileybury Turnford; Turnford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Cheshunt is seeking a Science Laboratory Assistant to manage laboratory operations and support science education. Responsibilities include implementing health and safety protocols, preparing materials and equipment for practical lessons, and liaising with teaching staff to enhance educational outcomes. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills and a commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment. The position offers a pro-rata term-time contract for 37 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Experience with health and safety legislation in an educational context.
• Ability to manage laboratory equipment and resources safely.
• Willingness to assist in the care of animals and specimens.

Responsibilities

• Implement and disseminate health and safety guidance for science education.
• Prepare materials, equipment, and specimens for practical sessions.
• Maintain records of laboratory equipment and usage.

Skills

Health and Safety compliance

Laboratory servicing

Practical preparation

Inventory management

Liaising with teaching staff

Job description

Science Laboratory Assistant

Haileybury Turnford, Cheshun

Salary: H3-H4 dependent on experience

Hours: Pro Rata term time 37 hours per week, term time

Positions: Two available – one to start immediately, one to start September.

Inter‑Disciplinary training for Science technicians (Biology, Physics and Chemistry)

Responsibilities

• Implementation and dissemination of all appropriate H & S legislation and guidance with respect to science education, including COSHH.
• Ensure statutory safety regulations and safe practice are complied with, relating to teacher/technician skills qualifications and student involvement in classrooms and workshops.
• Daily and weekly laboratory servicing, termly inspections and annual cleaning.
• Practical preparation, including materials, equipment, stock, standard solutions and specimens.
• Setting up, testing and demonstrating practical equipment to ensure students gain the most from the scientific experience.
• Safely dismantling practical equipment, and organising the cleaning and safe return of equipment.
• Recovery of residues and safe disposal in accordance with legislation.
• Care of animals and specimens for observational and experimental purposes.
• Liaising with teaching staff to develop new practical ideas and advise on schemes of work.
• Maintain records of books within the department and those issued.
• Carrying out in‑house repairs, calibration and maintenance.
• Maintaining a thorough stock control and order system.
• Inventory management.
• Safe movement and storage of hazardous and bulky science‑related equipment.
• Operating laboratory documentation systems including organisation of worksheets, filing, hazard data and legal records.
• Help organise lessons if teachers are absent.
• Other duties as agreed with the Principal.
• Liaise with the HOF regularly.
• Liaise with relevant outside organisations with respect to Health and Safety and CLEAPSS.

The role involves manual handling of chemicals and resources. The post holder should have a level of fitness that ensures they are capable of such work.

It is an exciting time to join us. When Ofsted visited in March 2022 they praised the very high quality of education at Haileybury Turnford and we have continued to develop our school since then.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are an Equal Opportunities employer and wish to attract and select candidates from a wide, diverse talent pool. Haileybury Turnford is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to employment checks and a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicant will be expected to undertake a satisfactory disclosure.

We insist on the equal treatment of all current and prospective colleagues and will never condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

Haileybury Turnford is committed to being an anti‑racist organisation and we encourage you to view our Black Lives Matter statement, which gives clarity on our anti‑racist stance. For recruitment into any post, where we have two or more candidates of equal merit, candidates with protected characteristics will be given advantage over candidates without such characteristics. This is sometimes referred to as a “tie‑breaker” and is referred to as “positive action” in the Equality Act 2010.

To help us meet our high standards and aspirations of a fully diverse and inclusive workplace, we strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and to join us.

If you have not heard from us within five working days of the closing date, please contact us to ensure we have received your application. We will acknowledge all applications. All interviews will be held face to face at school.

Please apply to [e-mail] with a covering letter no more than two pages, and a completed application form (below).