Senior Science Technician & Laboratory Operations Lead

Location: Tower Hamlets, East/Inner London

School Type: Secondary School & Sixth Form (Co-educational)

Contract: Full-Time or Part-Time, Permanent (Term-Time + 1–2 Weeks, 37 hours per week)

Start Date: Immediate / ASAP

A high-achieving, forward-thinking secondary school and Sixth Form in the heart of Tower Hamlets (Inner London) is seeking an organized, safety-conscious, and detail-oriented Senior Science Technician to lead laboratory preparation and technical services across their vibrant STEM faculty. Situated within a borough renowned for its proximity to world-class medical institutes and scientific research hubs, this vital operational post is ideal for an experienced school science technician, university lab assistant, or chemistry/biology graduate eager to direct practical lab logistics, manage hazardous chemical stores, and support practical experimentation across GCSE and A-Level sciences.

About the Role

As the Senior Science Technician, you will be the operational backbone of the school’s scientific laboratories. Working closely with the Head of Science and teaching staff, you will oversee laboratory setup for practical biology, chemistry, and physics lessons, maintain chemical stock levels, enforce rigorous COSHH and CLEAPSS safety protocols, and manage laboratory equipment maintenance to ensure practical scientific inquiry runs seamlessly and safely across Key Stages 3, 4, and 5.

• Environment: A state-of-the-art Inner London secondary campus featuring fully equipped laboratory suites, preparation rooms, chemical store facilities, digital data-logging tools, and modern fume cupboards

• Culture: A collaborative, inquiry-driven department committed to practical STEM education, high scientific standards, rigorous safety protocols, and inspiring future scientific professionals

Key Responsibilities

• Practical Preparation & Lab Support: Prepare chemical solutions, apparatus, biological specimens, and physics setups accurately for daily practical lessons and required practical assessments across KS3, GCSE, and A-Level (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).

• Health & Safety Management (COSHH/CLEAPSS): Maintain strict safety procedures in line with CLEAPSS guidelines and COSHH regulations; manage safe storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals, radioactive sources, and hazardous waste.

• Laboratory Maintenance & Equipment Inventory: Maintain, calibrate, and service laboratory apparatus (microscopes, balances, glass power packs, gas taps); perform routine safety checks and log equipment maintenance schedules.

• Stock Control & Reagent Procurement: Monitor inventories of scientific consumables, chemicals, and equipment; negotiate with scientific suppliers, process purchase orders, and manage technical capitation budgets alongside the SBM office.

• Technical Guidance & Mentoring: Provide technical assistance and live guidance to science teaching staff and students during complex practical trials, open evenings, and STEM enrichment clubs.

Requirements

• Relevant academic qualification (Degree, Higher National Diploma, or NVQ Level 3/4) in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, or a related scientific discipline.

• Demonstrable experience as a Science Technician in a secondary school, college, or commercial laboratory environment.

• Deep operational knowledge of CLEAPSS guidance, COSHH regulations, risk assessment procedures, and school laboratory health and safety standards.

• Strong organizational, technical, and mathematical skills (including precise chemical solution preparation and equipment calibration).

• Proactive, methodical mindset with excellent communication skills and a firm commitment to supporting student safety and achievement in practical science.

Salary & Benefits

• Pay Scale: Inner London Support Staff Scale (commensurate with technical qualifications and laboratory experience).

• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), term-time working pattern providing strong work-life balance, ongoing CLEAPSS/health and safety CPD, and access to staff health and wellbeing benefits.

How to Apply

If you are an organized science specialist ready to manage laboratory operations and support outstanding practical science education at an ambitious secondary school in Tower Hamlets, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application and CV as soon as possible for consideration.