Biology Technician

The Biology Department is seeking to appoint an enthusiastic Technician to join a strong and thriving team.

Epsom College is a co-educational day and boarding school with approximately 1170 pupils aged 11-18. Founded in 1855 as the Royal Medical Benevolent Foundation, a strong science tradition is maintained and is expressed today in the popularity of Biology as an A level subject with a significant and growing proportion of leavers going on to study medicine or related disciplines.

Each of the three science disciplines, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, run independently of each other in separate buildings with their own technical staff. Within the Biology Department, there are seven teachers supported by a Senior Technician, Technician and Technician Assistant. The Biology Department strives to excite intellectual curiosity through a variety of enrichment activities; examples of recent trips include to the Royal College of Surgeons, Ireland and also to the Royal Marsden Centre for Molecular Pathology. Every two years a conservation expedition takes place, in conjunction with Operation Wallacea. Pupils are encouraged to enter the Biology Challenge in Year 10 and the Biology Olympiad and Intermediate Olympiad in the Sixth Form and each year all biology pupils take part in the Epsom College Science Appreciation week in which a variety of visiting speakers, activities and practicals take place.

The technical support staff are responsible for the preparation of class practicals, core practicals, maintenance of equipment, consumables and the general servicing of laboratories. The Biology technician is immediately responsible to the Senior Biology Technician and Head of Department and ultimately to the COO/Bursar.

The successful applicant for this post will be expected to:

• To assist the Senior Biology technician in coordinating the use, and development of, practical resources and facilities, including the provision of guidance and support in meeting the practical requirements of the science curriculum;
• To assist the Senior technician where required in the routine and non-routine checking, cleaning, maintenance, calibration, testing and repairing of equipment to the required standard;
• To work with the Senior technician where required in coordinating the assessment, monitoring and review of Practical Risk Assessments, including technician activities;
• To assist the Senior technician in the appropriate storage and accessibility of equipment and materials in line with health and safety regulations including safe treatment and disposal of used materials, including hazardous substances and responding to actual or potential hazards;
• To work within the technical team to support the department, including: assisting in practical classes, carrying out demonstrations, preparing resources, assembling and distributing apparatus and other resources. Giving technical advice to teachers, technicians and pupils and engaging with the departmental online systems for ordering practical classes;
• Assisting the senior technician in issuing of textbooks, keeping records and processing charges where necessary;
• To be part of the three team rota that ensures the good health and welfare of the department fish and small animals and care and watering of departmental plants;
• To keep up-to-date with current procedures and practices through continuing professional development;
• To assist with the preparation and support of College open days and Science outreach days where required;
• To carry out duties and responsibilities in line with safeguarding protocols;
• Adhere to, and promote, all College policies and procedures.

The College reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and responsibilities of the post holder at any time according to the needs of the College’s business.

Person Specification

Essential

• Have a science degree or higher qualification and/or technical experience.
• Knowledge of Health & Safety legislation as it relates to the work of a school.
• Knowledge of COSHH regulations in relation to the safe handling and storage of chemicals.
• Able to prepare practicals in accordance with course syllabus and safety procedures.
• Able to lift and move objects in line with Manual Handling guidelines.
• Up to date with laboratory health and safety procedures.
• Have competent IT and administrative skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to multi-task in fulfilling requests from several staff, often to tight deadlines.
• Able to stay calm under pressure and able to cope with the rigours of a busy laboratory preparation room.
• Competent and comfortable to care for and feed small animals.
• Be professional and discreet.
• Reliable and flexible, with a can-do approach to all duties and responsibilities in a professional and helpful manner.
• Effective communication skills in order to communicate across the department.
• Be a team player.
• Enjoys working within a school environment.
• Display an ability to perform well and remain professional whilst under pressure, be tactful and discreet, whilst mindful of observing Safeguarding and professional standards.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal continuous professional development.
• Have a commitment and understanding of safeguarding protocols within school setting
• Display a smart and professional appearance, representing the College in a positive manner

Desirable

• Experience of working with student aged 11-18
• Experience working within a laboratory or school prep room environment

Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and interviews, and appointment may occur at any stage after applications are received. Please apply as soon as possible.

Pay: £28,717.00 per year

Benefits:

• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted or free food
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parkingWork Location: In person