Laboratory Technician / Teaching Assistant - Lincoln Community School

Job Description

Technicians are responsible for managing the efficient operation of the science laboratory area, assist Teachers in conducting Labs and the implementation of strategies to assist the delivery of key school objectives which may include supporting teachers in the instructional program.

Typical duties include but not limited to the following:

• Liaise with science teaching staff on their needs for practical work and maintain an efficient system for use and allocation of materials and equipment, setting a priority system where necessary.
• Advise science teaching staff on technical components of the curriculum.
• Assist science teaching staff with demonstrations, including acting as a demonstrator.
• Assist science teaching staff in instructing students on use/care of equipment during science experiments.
• Advise and assist science teaching staff in safety matter relating to the science laboratory.
• Prepare safety assessments for activities in the preparation area and, in conjunction with the teacher, in the teaching laboratory.
• Demonstrate laboratory techniques to science teaching staff/students.

• Prepare solutions, stains and media for use in the laboratory.
• Maintain a safe chemical storage/handling/disposal system in accordance with current regulations.
• Assist with the security of science laboratory and equipment.
• Maintain an inventory of equipment.
• Carry out and/or coordinate labelling, storage, stocktaking and ordering of equipment and chemicals.
• Service and clean simple laboratory apparatus/equipment.
• Collect and maintain live specimens (in accordance with regulations).
• Collect off-campus scientific materials and field samples,
•   Liaise with organizations and industries for purpose of acquiring equipment etc.
• Maintain asset register – annual stock-take.
• Conduct safety audits for the lab.
• Oversee the production of safety assessments for all activities within the Science Department.
• Trialing of experiments.
• Review, evaluate and modify laboratory practice – suggest alternatives/develop practical exercises.

Required Skills or Experience

• A degree or equivalent in any of  the following fields: Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics
• Minimum of Three years’ experience working as a lab technician