Physics Laboratory Technican

To support teaching and learning in the Physics Department.

The post holder will be required to:

Carry out the duties of a laboratory technician, primarily within the Physics Department but also within other science departments if required, after consultation with the Head of Physics.

Support physics teaching staff in day to day teaching by:

• preparing all practical resources required for each lesson (as per requisition sheets) and setting them out before each lesson starts; trial certain practicals in good time to ensure reliability when used.

• clearing away resources from the laboratories at the end of lessons and once equipment has been returned to the prep room, storing it so that it is ready for use, ensuring a clear space in the prep room is maintained.

• ensuring the physics laboratories are well maintained, liaising with the site manager where appropriate to achieve this.

• ensuring the physics laboratories are fully provisioned with an appropriate standard and quantity of equipment and specimens to facilitate practicals.

• supporting the review of new schemes of work or practicals, to take account of best practice or changes, as suggested by CLEAPPS or required by law (via Every Child Matters) and so providing a safe and secure working environment.

Act as first point of call for visitors and suppliers who contact/visit the department and so ensure good communication with the wider community.

Liaise with the Head of Department (HoD) when preparing A-level practical assessments and take responsibility for ensuring all equipment required is fit for purpose and that practical tests have been trialled beforehand to ensure reliability. 

Offer technical support during the assessments themselves.

Keep stocks of all laboratory equipment, electrical supplies and stationery required for the general running of the physics department and order in as required. In liaison with the HoD:

a) Use the school’s finance portal to place and process orders.

b) Maintain petty cash accounts for the department.

c) Communicate with the accounts department as necessary.

d) Communicate with suppliers as necessary.

Be responsible for the maintenance of the equipment, which may involve repairing equipment that has been damaged during practicals and restoring them to good working order, or ordering replacements if they are beyond repair.

Keep an inventory of all working physics equipment and update on a regular basis.

Ensure all chemicals stored in the physics department are labelled appropriately for COSHH. Assimilate information regarding chemicals and safe practice from CLEAPPS and update staff of any changes in safety issues appropriately. Assist the HoD in ensuring safe practices are maintained in the physics department. Arrange the disposal of any excess chemicals, any unwanted chemicals and/or any chemicals no longer considered appropriate for use by the Head of Physics.

Ensure that the prep room is a safe working environment and handle chemicals in accordance with COSHH and CLEAPPS regulations.

Lead the Department with the organisation and preparation of (non-physics related) teaching resources including:

a) Ordering and organisation of stationery and textbooks and written resources.

b) Photocopying and filing exam papers, end of topic tests, student workbooks, worksheets, etc.

c) Administering the annual sale of textbooks to students (currently only for Year 9 and the Lower Sixth)  in coordination with the accounts office. 

Undertake personal development, in conjunction with your annual performance review, along with other training, (Health & Safety,

Child Protection etc…), that may be deemed relevant to the performance of this role.

Undertake, after consultation, other duties as determined by the headmaster and governors that are commensurate with the designation and grading of the post and within the evolving policies of the school.

Possess good written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to act on own initiative and be able to organise and prioritise work tasks.

Ability to accept direction from the Head of Physics.

Ability to undertake appropriate personal development training, if required.

Ability to relate to the philosophy and aims of Haberdashers’ Adams School.

Desirable

Recognised Health & Safety qualification.

Recognised electrical qualification.

Qualifications in chemical handling and disposal, safe procedures and techniques.

Former experience within an engineering, physics or related university field.

Good ICT skills.