Laboratory Technician 

Invictus is seeking an energetic Laboratory Technician to be under the overall direction of the principal in absence of a Head of Department, and in accordance with the practices and procedures of the school and the EDB, assist teaching staff in providing a safe and efficient lab technical service for students and teaching staff.

The technician role forms a central part of the work of the department and he/she will work closely with teaching staff to support, develop and further extend the work of the department and the experiences of the students.

Areas of Key Focus

1. Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparation and assembly of apparatus and components for demonstration, class practical work, assessments and examinations. 
  
• To prepare solutions and materials
  
• To ensure equipment and electrical connections, chemical solutions and other materials are left/stored in a safe and secure condition, ready for re‐use
  
• To undertake minor repairs and modifications when necessary and to assist in the construction of apparatus. 
  
• Be responsible for the safe working of appliances
  
• Where applicable, to undertake reprographic duties and routine ‘resource’ tasks, as determined by the needs of the Science Department.
  
• To assist in maintaining records of apparatus, reagents and materials, including inventories and records of breakages. 
  
• To inform the teacher in charge of stock to be replaced/ordered. To pack/unpack and check apparatus and chemicals.
  
• Monitor and manage stock cataloguing resources and undertaking audits as required 
  
• Purchase of consumables from local shops as required (claim through either petty cash or expenses with Principal approval) 
  
• To clean apparatus as directed and to clear out cupboards, drawers, etc. on a regular basis to monitor contents and condition of the stock. 
  
• To carry out stocktaking as required. 
  
• The cleaning and maintenance of equipment and the neutralisation and cleaning up of spillages, including the cleaning of glassware and other equipment. 
  
• Filing of paper resources on return to the preparation room and duplication of resources as required.
  
• To undertake general tasks within the Science Department such as porterage and handyperson duties, including transporting supplies within the school, collection of materials locally, general maintenance of laboratories, preparation and store rooms.
  

2. Health and Safety and Compliance

• To be aware of, and comply with, all departmental/school instructions and procedures relating to health and safety at work.
  
• To contribute to safe working practice in preparation/storage/teaching areas. Assessment of risks for technician activities.
  
• Advising staff on safety issues and trialling practical work where necessary.
  
• To assist in maintaining all safety equipment used by technicians, teaching staff and students to the highest standard.
  
• To assist in the safe disposal of residues and outdated stock following approval and advice from senior personnel. Ensuring the safe storage of radioactive materials, and chemicals and the disposal of chemical and microbiological waste
  
• To ensure that any scientific debris or hazardous materials/spills are removed from the sinks, bench tops and other areas to provide a safe environment for cleaning staff and others. To deal appropriately with spillages during practical activities.
  
• Helping to ensure that COSHH regulations are carried out in the department and that attention of the staff is drawn to relevant health and safety guidance
  
• Maintenance of laboratories and preparation rooms to ensure a clean, safe and orderly environment, including simple DIY work and the checking and maintenance of eye protection.
  
• To assist in maintaining all living organisms in a safe, healthy condition for observation and experimental purposes. Where applicable, to assist in the collection of live material and required breeding programmes.
  
• To carry out responsibilities, commensurate with your position, as defined within the following policies and procedures:
  
• Equal Opportunities
• Health, Safety & Welfare
• Child Protection
• Data Protection 
• Risk Management

3. Support for the School

• To assist with practical examinations as may be required.
  
• To invigilate examinations as directed by the Examinations Officer as required
  
• Recognise own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to advise and support others
  
• Participate in training and other learning activities and performance development as required
  
• Assist with the provision of out of school learning activities e.g. clubs, extra‐curricular activities within guidelines established by the school where possible
  
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the school
  
• Establish constructive relationships and communicate with other agencies/ professionals, in liaison with the teacher, to support the achievement and progress of students
  
• Be aware of and support differences and ensure all students have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop
  
• Liaise between managers/teaching staff and support staff
  
• Attend regular team meetings and briefings with the department and whole staff
  
• Undertake other similar duties and activities that fall within the grade and scope of the post, as directed by the Principal
  

4. Auditing

• Ensure an up to date inventory is maintained
  
• Manage school’s equipment cleaning audit 
  
• To manage the production of an annual audit of the Science equipment
  

6. Working Conditions

• Standing for extended periods of time
  
• Lifting and transporting of objects and live animals
  
• Ability to access the whole site to review/check science equipment
  
• Some work involving visual display units
  
• Evening work will be required from time to time to support events for which flexibility in working hours is essential