Senior Science Technician

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and experienced Senior Science Technician to join our Science Department. This is a pivotal role supporting the delivery of practical science education by ensuring smooth, safe, and effective management of technical resources and laboratory operations. The successful candidate will manage the science technician team and oversee all technical support for A-Level and BTEC Science courses. You will be instrumental in maintaining high safety standards, supporting curriculum delivery, and contributing to the development of an inspiring and efficient science learning environment.

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Job Details

We are seeking a highly organised, proactive, and experienced Senior Science Technician to join our Science Department. This is a pivotal role supporting the delivery of practical science education by ensuring smooth, safe, and effective management of technical resources and laboratory operations.

The successful candidate will manage the science technician team and oversee all technical support for A-Level and BTEC Science courses. You will be instrumental in maintaining high safety standards, supporting curriculum delivery, and contributing to the development of an inspiring and efficient science learning environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily preparation, delivery, and clearance of practicals for A-Level and BTEC science lessons.
  • Manage, train, and support a team of science technicians to ensure best practices are maintained.
  • Provide technical assistance during practical sessions, demonstrations, and student projects.
  • Ensure safe storage, handling, and disposal of materials—including hazardous substances—in line with regulations.
  • Coordinate the procurement, stock control, and maintenance of science equipment and consumables.
  • Monitor and manage the science resource budget effectively.
  • Take a lead on routine and non-routine maintenance, calibration, and repair of laboratory equipment.
  • Deliver Health & Safety training and ensure ongoing compliance with safety protocols.
  • Collaborate with teaching and support staff to ensure excellent curriculum support.
  • Participate in animal care cover across campuses (out-of-hours cover included).
  • Contribute to college-wide policies including safeguarding, equality and diversity, and wellbeing.

Job Requirements

Essential:

  • A good general education with a strong science background.
  • A science qualification at A-Level or equivalent.
  • Substantial experience working in a science-related practical role.
  • Proven ability to organise and lead a team.
  • Awareness of Health & Safety legislation related to science labs.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Able to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Desirable:

  • NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities.
  • Experience in an educational environment.
  • IT literacy and understanding of science-related educational software and systems.
  • Experience managing a departmental budget or similar responsibility.

The right candidate will have:

  • High standards of communication and interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to work as a team.
  • A strong attention to detail.
  • The ability to work towards deadlines.
  • Excellent attendance and punctuality.
  • Practical knowledge and background in technical support.
  • Awareness of health & safety issues in a practical environment

Why choose us?

Our strategy is to create a Career Focused, Digital Learning environment, ensuring that the learner experience and our relationship within our community, local and regional employers, are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be selected as finalists for the AoC Beacon awards for effective use of digital Technology in FE. Providing a high achieving, focused learning environment allowing our students to achieve the grades they need for higher educations, or the skills and aptitude required to secure a suitable role in their chosen career. Our college is set in the leafy suburbs of Essex, with easy access to surrounding areas and amenities, we are based in a well-connected location both by road and rail.

What we offer:

  • A dedicated and friendly team of professionals who are keen to develop and learn
  • Excellent pension provision
  • Annual Staff Awards
  • CPD days - opportunities to grow and development through mentorship and coaching
  • Free onsite parking
  • Staff appreciation days
  • Eye care vouchers
  • Onsite Starbucks & Restaurant
  • Well-being days & activities
  • Electric Vehicle Scheme*
  • Discounted gym membership
  • Hybrid Working available
  • Fully immersive teaching rooms allow simultaneous online teaching at multiple locations
  • Free Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7, 365 days offering legal & financial advice, as well as general support & guidance

* subject to terms & conditions

This role is considered exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. Which means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected’, so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS filtering guide.  It is an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a self-declaration of their criminal record or information that would make them unsuitable to work with children. Self-declaration is subject to Ministry of Justice guidance on the disclosure of criminal records, further information can be found on GOV UK

USP College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, we therefore expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service, and any other checks that the role requires to ascertain suitability for working with children and/or vulnerable adults, which may include online searches.

We will hold and process any personal data, including sensitive (special category) personal data, relating to you in accordance with our legal obligations, in the manner set out in the Privacy Notice for staff and in accordance with our Data Protection Policy, which is set out on the College’s website, found here. You should familiarise yourself with our Data Protection Policy (and all other subsidiary policies to it) and comply with them at all times. Neither the Privacy Notice for Staff nor those policies form a part of your contract of employment.