Science Technician

Job description

Working within the Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Junior Science Departments to carry out a variety of technical and management tasks to support the laboratory work of staff and students. Mostly this involves preparation, management and maintenance of resources for practicals.

Also to co-ordinate equipment to meet the needs of a wide range of practical classes and assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment, ensuring that appropriate health and safety procedures are followed.

Qualifications

A Science background and/or previous experience in a laboratory would be advantageous but organisational skills and ability to prioritise are the major requirements.

Other positive attributes might be:

• Good practical skills
• Attention to detail
• A methodical approach
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Success in meeting deadlines is crucial to the technician’s role as is the ability to plan ahead within the confines of a busy timetable. Hence, flexibility and staying calm under the pressure of changing demands are valuable assets. Self-motivation and the ability to work well under limited supervision are also looked for.

Core activities of the post will include

• Preparing and distributing required equipment for teaching and demonstration purposes.
• Trialling experiments prior to classes
• Overseeing the smooth running of 5-14 science practicals
• Ensuring the cleanliness of equipment/resources/work area including chemical/biological spillages in line with Health and Safety guidelines.
• Arranging and monitoring safe dismantling, cleaning and storage of equipment and resources after use.
• Undertaking repairs to equipment within own capabilities whenever possible.
• Keeping records, inventories of chemicals, apparatus and technical resources.
• Undertaking stock-taking, ordering and taking delivery of equipment chemicals and other resources as required.
• Monitoring expenditure within an agreed budget for the purchase of materials and resources.

Further skills that the post holder may be expected to develop

• Selecting and make available specialist equipment for specific classes. This may involve the handling of radioactive or hazardous chemicals within Health and Safety regulations.
• Preparing materials not commercially available.
• Assisting students in proper use of apparatus.
• Demonstrating techniques to students.
• Advising and supporting students with project work
• Routinely maintaining cleaning and testing equipment for safety, reporting faults/damages; organising replacements or repairs as necessary.
• Helping with animal husbandry within the Biology Department.
• Contributing to meetings and discussion forums as appropriate.
• To be aware of and act in accordance with the school’s Health and Safety Policy and agreed codes of practice.

In addition to its curricular provision, Dollar Academy also offers a rich array of extra-curricular activities and has a significant number of boarding pupils living on campus. A willingness to participate in other aspects of Academy life would be welcome. Letters of application, accompanied by full CV and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of two professional referees, should be sent to The Rector, Dollar Academy, Dollar FK14 7DU, by Friday 22nd June at the latest. Interviews will take place shortly afterwards.

The Academy
Teaching at Dollar