Assistant Science Technician

The London Academy of Excellence is seeking to appoint an Assistant Science Technician to support the Senior Science Technician in preparing high-quality science resources for laboratory teaching, and to support LAET's students to fulfil the A-level practical science curriculum.

Pay is £ 24,768.15 Actual (£29,540 FTE).

This is a full-time position, term-time plus 1 week (38 working weeks in total).

Start date - ASAP

LAE Tottenham

• Academically selective Sixth Form, opened in September 2017. Results in the top 2% nationally for attainment and progress.

• Principal Education Sponsor Highgate School and Lead Business Sponsor Tottenham Hotspur Football Club.

• Partnered by eight other leading independent schools - Alleyn’s, Chigwell, Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’, Harrow, John Lyon, North London Collegiate, Mill Hill and St Dunstan’s College, each offering departmental support, CPD, expertise and shared student experiences.

• Providing first-class support into top class higher education and employment, focused on academically ambitious young people.

• Opportunities within the Chrysalis East programme, working with local secondary and primary schools to raise attainment across Tottenham.

• Housed in a stunning new state of the art school building linked to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

• Sunday Times ‘State Sixth Form College of the Year 2020-21’ and rated "outstanding" in all areas by Ofsted.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates representative of the range of backgrounds of our diverse student body.

Key responsibilities

• To support the Senior Science Technician in preparing high-quality science resources for laboratory teaching.
• To support students and Science staff in the fulfilment of the A-level practical science curriculum.
• To observe a healthy and safe working environment at all times.

Specific tasks

Preparation of resources 

• Ensure that the prep rooms and labs are clean and well organised at all times.
• Prepare equipment, chemicals, solutions etc. for practical lessons in a timely manner and clear up afterwards.
• Ensure stock levels of glassware, chemicals etc are maintained.

Science department support

• Assist students and staff during practical lessons.
• Be involved with Open Days, feeder school workshops and other events outside the normal timetable.
• Work across the different areas of Biology, Chemistry and Physics as demand dictates.

Health and safety

• Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the relevant risk assessments and health and safety protocols.
• Ensure that the strict health and safety working practices are observed at all times.
• Provide advice and assistance to staff on safe working practices and problems relating to health and safety, in particular on the use of apparatus and equipment.
• Provide first aid treatment for minor laboratory injuries.

For further details on the position, please see the sections below for a detailed person specification, general responsibilities of LAE Tottenham staff members and general terms of the role.

Part 1 - Person specification

Essential Professional Criteria

How these will be confirmed

Qualifications

Strong GCSE (or equivalent) results in Science, Maths and English

A-Level(s) in a Science subject or a recognised professional qualification would be advantageous 

Sight of original exam certificates /academic qualifications will be requested

Personal Attributes and Qualities

Tidy, organised and methodical

Self-motivated and proactive

Innovative and good at finding solutions

Able to remain calm when working under pressure 

Good communication and interpersonal skills

Strong team-working skills

A keen desire to learn and apply knowledge in a practical setting

Enjoyment of working with young people and an interest in supporting their education

Willingness to attend training and courses to improve Science knowledge and skills

There will be opportunities at interview to discuss experiences and examples that demonstrate these

References will also ask about aspects of these

Desirable professional criteria

Interest in Science and willingness to learn

Good practical science and IT skills 

Dextrous and well coordinated to carry out precise laboratory tasks

Willing to work flexibly and be adaptable 

Safe and responsible attitude - will ask for help if unsure

Qualifications, previous experience and interview questions

Knowledge and experience

Previous experience working in a laboratory environment (either school, research or commercial setting) is desirable

Full first aid qualification or willingness to undergo training within the first three months of employment

There will be opportunities at interview to discuss experiences and examples that demonstrate these

Part 2 - Further information

General responsibilities as a member of LAE Tottenham staff:

• To promote a culture of aspiration for all of our students
• To be supportive and understanding of the differing needs of young people
• To play a full part in the CPD programme, including prior to the start of the academic year 
• To take part in evening and weekend events as appropriate
• To model intellectual rigour and a can-do attitude
• To support an atmosphere of openness and honesty 
• To care for all other members of the school community
• To show a genuine passion for social mobility

Part 3 - Recruitment and selection policy statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and proactively seek to recruit a diverse staff body.

The London Academy of Excellence Tottenham is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Please note that this role ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore, you are required to declare any convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not ‘protected’ (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). Further information is available on the school’s website.