Reporting to:                                        Head of Department

Contract:                                                 Full time, term-time only plus two weeks in the holidays (flexibility considered)

Start date:                                               Sept 2026

Salary:                                                        £37,500 – £41,250 (FTE) (£30,000-£33,000 actual, depending on experience)

 We are looking for a dedicated technician to join our Physics department from September 2026.  This is a full-time appointment.

The Physics Department is part of the Science Department. There are currently thirteen teachers in the Science Department, supported by four technicians. The Physics laboratories provide modern, airy and spacious accommodation. ICT is bedded into our schemes of work; pupils use laptops with data-logging equipment.  All of the laboratories have interactive whiteboards, supported by a wide range of science software, the department encourages practical participation in lessons as often as possible.

Role Responsibilities 

• Liaise with the Head of Science and other members of the teaching staff in the provision of practical equipment
• Be able to work with other technicians as a team and under the guidance of the Senior Technician
• Assist with keeping the laboratories tidy and safe before and after use
• Assist with the production of class displays
• Assist with the cleaning and maintenance of equipment
• Report laboratory or fabric faults to the relevant line manager
• Prepare various practical materials, solutions, and equipment as required for class and demonstration lessons
• Ensuring the smooth running of laboratory activities/open days
• Transfer equipment from place to place
• Assist with the maintenance and repair of science equipment and other routine maintenance work where appropriate
• Assist with the development of new apparatus as and when required
• Have a knowledge of health and safety issues
• Assist the teacher in the classroom where appropriate
• Assist with the preparation of information for compliance with current safety regulations
• Assist with the maintenance of appropriate records and the safe storage of all items and materials
• Set up teaching aids and ensure safe storage where appropriate; including ICT equipment.
• Ensure adequate supplies of materials are available for lessons
• Assist with routine administrative tasks: photocopying / typing / record-keeping / ordering of materials and equipment
• Attending departmental meetings as required
• Trainee technicians would perform some of the tasks above and training would be provided by arrangement with, and agreement of, the Senior Technician and the Head of Science where appropriate

Person Specification 

 Essential 

• We are looking for someone who, under the direction of teachers, can assume personal responsibility for their work and do so with initiative
• We wish to appoint an enthusiastic and realistic team member with a sense of humour who is able to respond to the rapidly changing needs of individual teachers and, occasionally, pupils
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• An excellent grounding in practical physical sciences
• Able to set up and manage experiments, organise and maintain stock and equipment, and take responsibility for health and safety in their environment
• A good level of IT literacy
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, planning and organisational skills are all required
• Staff appointed to Colfe’s are expected to contribute to the co-curricular life of the community and will become part of a caring, purposeful and committed community of outstandingly supportive colleagues

Staff at Colfe’s enjoy a range of benefits including:

• Free lunches during term time
• Free membership of Colfe’s Leisure Centre
• Free on-site parking (subject to availability)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Annual flu vaccination

Application procedure:

The recruitment process will require all applicants to complete an application form, accompanied by a letter of application, current CV and details of two referees, who will be contacted prior to interview, in accordance with the School’s Safer Recruitment procedures.  

The application should be submitted electronically via Vacancies - Colfe's School - Independent day school in South East London for pupils aged 3-18 or to: recruitment@colfes.com or by post to: Mrs A Ross, Human Resources, Colfe’s School, Horn Park Lane, London SE12 8AW 

Applications should be sent by 12noon on Wednesday 15th July. Colfe’s reserves the right to appoint to this post before the closing date if necessary. 

Colfe’s School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure & Barring Service.