Science Technician (physics focus)

The school is looking to appoint a science technician to work in our science department, but specifically with a focus on supporting our physics teaching. Our science department combines the teaching of physics, biology and chemistry, an arrangement that encourages and develops a collaborative approach to teaching, learning and co-curricular opportunities across the sciences.

The science department has ten teaching staff and a knowledgeable technician team. There are eight fully equipped laboratories housed within a purpose built science block together with preparation rooms and a lecture theatre.

The science technician will be responsible for the management of equipment and supplies as well as coordinating and organising the practical resources, including equipment, to support the teachers in the physics department and wider sciences when needed.

You will be expected to work collaboratively and positively with three other science technicians, as well as teaching staff across the science department.

Key requirements of the role:

• Line managed by the head of physics; to coordinate the use of practical resources and facilities and provide assistance and advice in meeting the practical needs of the curriculum, including liaising with teaching staff and support staff outside the department.


• Contribute to the design, development and maintenance of specialist resources and/or long term projects.


• Support the senior technician in ensuring the availability of suitable materials and equipment, helping to compile orders and liaising or negotiating with suppliers and finance departments, as required.


• Keep up to date stock records.


• Ensure that both routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment is carried out to the required standard.


• Undertake any other reasonable requests as directed by the head of department and other science teachers.


• Work collaboratively as a part of a team with other technicians as requested by senior technician or head of science. This will include working across biology and chemistry as well as physics when required.


Within the science department -

• to provide apparatus for teachers' experimental work and to clear away apparatus after each lesson.


• to prepare and lay out apparatus for assessments and to be available to support the teacher throughout the assessment.


• to set out demonstrations as instructed.


• to become familiar with all apparatus used by the science department so that this can be set up for teachers as required.


• to be available during lesson times in case extra equipment is required for a teacher.


• to provide materials required by classes during a teacher's absence and help covering teachers deal with any technical problems.


• To maintain an orderly prep room so that equipment is clearly identifiable and can be easily located by other members of science staff.
  
  A suitable science degree


• Understands and can demonstrate experience of safe working in a laboratory environment


• Ability to use initiative, multi-task and prioritise own workload with good attention to detail


• Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to meet deadlines whilst working with conflicting demands


• Self-motivated and organised, with an ability to work both as part of a team and individually


• High professional and personal standards


DESIRABLE

• Experience of working in an education environment


• Previous science technician experience


• Commitment to continuous professional development
  
  This is a permanent, term time only position for 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.30pm with 30 minutes unpaid for lunch). You will be expected to work 35 weeks (St Swithun's term time, including staff training days) plus 6 days in the holidays per year (holiday working days will be agreed in advance with the head of department and senior technician)., The salary offered will depend on experience and qualifications. The salary will be in the range of £24,321.00 to £25,684.00 FTE (£19,496.72 - £20,589.36 pro rata for the hours and weeks worked plus 5.6 weeks of paid annual leave entitlement), The school offers a range of other benefits including:


• Generous contributory pension scheme


• Free membership of the school swimming pool


• Access to the school's staff wellbeing provision


• Discount on school fees


• Refreshments whilst working, and free meals when required to be at work over a lunch time during term time.


The closing date for applications is 9am, Monday 13 May 2024. We reserve the right to close applications before the closing date. Applications must be submitted on the school website.

St Swithun's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share and support this commitment and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £19,496.72-£20,589.36 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave


• Company pension


• Cycle to work scheme


• Discounted or free food


• Employee discount


• Free parking


• Health & wellbeing programme


• On-site parking


• Sick pay