Science Centre Assistant Coordinator

Office hours, 2 days a week, either a Thursday and Friday or Wednesday and Thursday. It will include occasional evening and summer-holiday work.   

The Science Centre is a self-contained space, based in modern purpose-built accommodation at QMC. The Centre consists of a laboratory area, a secure garden area, office space and dedicated toilets, that was predominantly designed for use by primary aged students and is regularly visited by numerous local schools, as well as students from the Foundation Learning department at QMC. At the science centre students can experience high-quality science lessons, tailored to both the National Curriculum, and adapted to meet the needs of particular users. The organisation and operation of the centre is directed by the Science Centre Coordinator.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in promoting science education, will be organised, proactive, practical, flexible, resourceful, and able to work to tight deadlines. An ability to work both collaboratively and independently is important, as is the ability to consistently show attention to detail. Previous experience in a school environment is essential, as is a sound knowledge of health and safety issues. 

Purpose of the job: To manage the use of the Science Centre effectively

Key outcomes:

• To provide high-quality Science sessions to users of the Science Centre
• To assist with the promotion of the Centre as a focal point for STEM in the local area
• To assist with the co-ordination and management of the safe use of the facility
• To assist with the design and planning of sessions and activities relevant to users of the Centre

Reporting to: Director of Learning for Science, Computing & I.T.

Responsibilities and duties will include assisting with:

• The management of the use of the Centre, taking bookings for the use of the facility and/or equipment and liaising with those using the centre to arrange the sessions, whilst maintaining a calendar of all events.
• Directing teachers and users of the Centre in class practical work when required. Advising on appropriate lesson plans, use of equipment and assisting with teaching/scientific knowledge.
• Creating resources and lesson plans that link to the National Curriculum including new experiment design and testing.
• Ensuring that H&S requirements are followed at all time by users of the Centre, including the preparation of risk assessments for the Centre and the experiments conducted.
• Transporting students to and from the centre by minibus and/or booking the minibuses and drivers as required.
• Maintaining the equipment resources of the Centre, and an inventory of materials and experiments used, maintaining stocks and purchasing resources through the college system when required. (Occasionally organising for the loan and return of equipment).
• Promoting the availability of the Centre with local schools and promoting the Centre through bespoke events. Working with outside agencies to organise such events (e.g. Competitions/British Science Week etc)
• Other tasks as directed by the line manager commensurate with the scope of the post.     

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience teaching or working with children (essential)
• A keen interest in science and promoting science education in the community (essential)
• Knowledge of health and safety issues (essential)
• Good organisational & time management skills (essential)
• Good interpersonal skills (essential)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (essential)
• Confidence in routine use of computers (essential)
• Full driving licence (essential) D1 category training provided if required
• First aid trained (essential) training provided if required
• Recent industrial or school experience (desirable)
• Interest and knowledge of horticulture/Gardening (desirable)
• A scientific or technical background (desirable)

Benefits

This role attracts a number of benefits such as, use of the Sports Centre facilities, free parking on site, discounted Central Studio tickets, complimentary beverages for all staff, related training and development, counselling service and a generous annual leave, sickness and maternity package.

Closing date: 20 January 2025

The successful candidate will have the choice whether or not to join the Local Government Pension Scheme. The College currently contributes a monthly sum equivalent to 19.1% of your salary, whilst staff at this salary level contribute 5.5 – 6%.

All College staff are required to apply for a DBS Disclosure. In addition, new legislation in the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act will require you to register with the Disclosure and Barring Service.  

Any offer of employment will be conditional upon a satisfactory Disclosure and a six-month probationary period.

Staff are entitled to the benefits of the nationally agreed sickness and maternity leave schemes.

The College operates a no smoking policy.

Queen Mary's College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.