Science Laboratory Technician

Location: Barking & Dagenham

School Type: Secondary School

Contract: Full-Time, Term-Time Only + 1 Week (36 hours per week)

A progressive, welcoming secondary school and Sixth Form in the East London Borough of Barking & Dagenham is seeking a organized, practical, and safety-minded Science Laboratory Technician to join their technical support team. This is an excellent opportunity for a science enthusiast, whether an experienced school technician, a laboratory assistant from industry, or a science graduate, to play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in delivering active, safe, and engaging practical science education.

About the Role

As a Science Technician, you will be an essential operational support pillar within the Science faculty, facilitating hands-on practical learning across Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. Working alongside the Senior Technician and teaching staff, you will prepare chemical solutions, calibrate lab equipment, manage prep room inventory, and ensure that practical investigations across Key Stages 3, 4 (GCSE), and 5 (A-Level) run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

• Start Date: Immediate or upcoming term

• Environment: A supportive East London secondary school focused on student achievement, practical STEM engagement, and modern laboratory environments

• Culture: A collaborative, safety-focused, and welcoming department where technical expertise, precision, and practical learning are highly valued

Key Responsibilities

• Practical Preparation: Prepare, assemble, and test equipment, chemical solutions, biological specimens, and physics apparatus for daily practical lessons and formal assessments.

• Health & Safety Management: Ensure strict adherence to CLEAPSS guidelines, COSHH standards, and school health and safety policies, performing routine risk checks and safe chemical waste disposal.

• Prep Room & Inventory Care: Maintain clean, organized prep rooms and laboratory spaces; monitor stock levels of chemical reagents and consumables; and assist with placing equipment orders.

• Equipment Maintenance: Regularly inspect, clean, service, and calibrate laboratory instruments and glassware, reporting faults and arranging specialist repairs when needed.

• In-Class Technical Support: Provide live technical assistance to teachers during complex practical demonstrations and support Sixth Form students with A-Level practical endorsement tasks.

Requirements

• A strong educational background in Science (A-Level, Higher National Diploma, or University Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline).

• Proven practical experience in a laboratory environment (prior technical experience within a secondary school, college, or university setting is highly desirable).

• Solid understanding of chemical safety, CLEAPSS procedures, COSHH guidelines, and general laboratory risk assessment protocols.

• Excellent organizational skills, practical dexterity, and high attention to detail when handling equipment and preparing solution concentrations.

• Strong teamwork capabilities, initiative under pressure, and a proactive, encouraging manner when supporting young people in practical learning settings.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Outer London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with technical experience, pro-rata for term-time plus 1 week).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), generous holiday pro-rata allowance, funded CLEAPSS training and professional development, and access to staff health and wellbeing schemes.

How to Apply

If you are a detail-oriented, science-minded professional eager to deliver outstanding laboratory support at a vibrant secondary school in Barking, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application as soon as possible for consideration.