Science Technician

The Principal is looking to invite enthusiastic and well-qualified science technicians with vision and expertise to support the college’s dynamic science department within our unique urban boarding setting located in Central London starting in October 2021.

DLD College London is an independent co-educational College situated in the heart of London overlooking Westminster and the river Thames. After our nomination for Boarding School of the Year 2020 and our recent excellent ISI inspection rating, the school is now looking to invite exceptional candidates with vision to join our Senior Leadership Team and continue to develop our unique urban boarding setting in Central London.

Purpose of the post

You will provide technical support to the science teachers, contributing to the students' learning experience by assisting with the preparation of materials and apparatus for practical work, innovating and creating new equipment.

Applicants would also be required to keep stock checks, place orders and take care of deliveries and invoices.

Responsibilities:

Co-ordinate the use of practical resources in order to provide equipment, materials and solutions as requested by teaching staff.

Maintain safety standards in relation to the provision of practical resources.

Provide technical assistance and assist during practical lessons as required, particularly Chemistry and Biology (Physics desirable)

Build, assemble and deliver items of apparatus for use in lessons and practical assessments.

Maintain and service equipment as necessary to ensure it is always safe and in working order as well as liaising with external contacts to service equipment.

Collecting, checking and returning equipment to stores in a timely manner.

Assist in the maintenance of stock control of chemicals and equipment

Prepare solutions accurately and dispose of waste laboratory chemicals in accordance with current regulations.

Caring for plants and/or animals, where appropriate

Ensure that all laboratories, preparation rooms, equipment and resources are maintained to a clean and safe standard and are fully equipped. This will include the washing of glassware, handling and storage of radioactive materials and cleaning of benches and sinks.

Operate systems for the management, control and storage of equipment, apparatus and chemicals in accordance with safety requirements.

Trialling practical activities to ensure they are safe and work effectively to give the intended outcomes.

Providing technical support to experienced and trainee teachers including health and safety guidance.

Keep up to date with developments in practical science and health and safety requirements

Carrying out health and safety checks on laboratories, prep rooms and stores.

Obtaining materials by local purchase of ‘everyday items’ e.g. supermarkets and preparing purchase orders for suppliers.

To check-off incoming orders, ensuring that any issues are raised with the supplier in a timely fashion.

Set up equipment for practical demonstrations, where necessary, informing the teacher concerned beforehand of any (unusual) alterations that may have become necessary to the demonstration

Use and be conversant with the CLEAPSS laboratory handbook/other relevant advice and updating Hazcards, used in the department.

Maintain an active interest in the promotion and observance of a good Health and Safety environment.

Immediately report any concerns about Health and Safety to your Line Manager and the Premises Team.

Assist with school open evening and other school activities taking place within the Department of Science.

Any other reasonable requests required by DLD College.

 Personal Specification

A good understanding of laboratory safety is essential. Applicants would benefit from relevant previous experience and familiarity with the preparation and handling of chemicals and scientific equipment. Knowledge of recent curriculum developments at GCSE and A Level is highly desirable as is the ability to relate well to teenagers.

You will need to have:

Strong practical and organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload.

Excellent scientific, technical and IT skills.

Effective communication and team working skills.

The ability to cope with competing demands.

The ability to work using your own initiative.

A degree in science related subject.

Enthusiastic and aware of and sympathetic to the needs of 14–19-year-olds.

DLD College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children. All staff are trained in child protection and understand to report concerns by following the safeguarding policies. We ensure all candidates are properly police-checked, and the successful candidate will need to obtain an enhanced disclosure via the DBS.

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Please click the link below for further information on employing Ex-Offenders:

Policy on employment of ex-offenders.pdf (alphaplusgroup.co.uk)

Hours of work:  8:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday

Application Deadline: 20th September 2021

Interview Date: TBC

The College reserves the right to shortlist candidates prior to the closing date of the advert therefore we encourage early applicants.