We are looking to appoint a Science Technician to join our inspirational organisation for one day a week.

Reporting directly to the Directors of Learning and other post holders within the Learning Area, the principal role of the Science Technician is to be responsible for the maintenance and effective operation of equipment and resources in the Science department.

You will ensure Science teachers have the equipment and resources they need to provide excellent opportunities for students to learn. The science technicians play a crucial role in supporting and directly improving our students’ learning experiences

.Do you want to work with inquisitive students and collaborative staff? Do you value being at the heart of a vibrant city? Does this sound like your perfect job?

Then Landau Forte College Derby is the place for you.

Key information

·         Hours: One day a week, 8.15am – 4.30pm

·         Weeks: 44.35

·         Contract: Temporary until 1 July 2026, Term time only

·         Start date: ASAP

·         Salary: Dependent upon experience, plus daily meal allowance.

·         ·        Closing Date: 07 December 2025

·         A supportive, cohesive and exciting working environment

·         The chance to work with genuinely enthusiastic and happy students

·         Career prospects within an innovative and ambitious Multi Academy Trust

·         A meal allowance, commensurate with your working hours

·         Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

·         Healthcare Cash Plan, from Westfield Health

·        ·        Complimentary gym membership

The person we are looking for should:

·         Be creative and hardworking.

·         Have excellent personal organisational skills.

·         Be adaptable with a good sense of humour and able to take the initiative.

·         Have a calm and approachable manner

·         Be a very good team worker with the capacity to build relationships at all levels across the organisation.

·         Be proactive; a forward thinker

·         Be able to work successfully as part of a highly effective team.

Duties for this job will include (but are not limited to):

Operation and Coordination

• To support the work of the Science team under the direction of the Directors of Learning and Senior Science Technician to achieve the best outcomes for the students, staff and the department.
• Check and service equipment and resources used by the Science Department, specifically equipment used by staff and students in all the science subjects liaising with other professionals and members of staff as appropriate.
• Check and maintain all small equipment on a regular basis and inform the Directors of Learning of any repairs necessary. To carry out regular material and equipment checks across all Science rooms.
• To ensure that all materials/equipment/apparatus is set up for lessons or demonstrations and that it is retrieved after use, washed if necessary, accounted for and returned to store.
• To ensure that laboratories and equipment are kept in a safe and tidy manner. This duty includes a daily check of all services to ensure correct operation (reporting faults to the necessary agency) and maintaining appropriate security levels.
• To undertake routine maintenance of general facilities and equipment and to report faults to the head of department and other professionals and staff, as appropriate.
• To supervise stock checks and recording of stock on a database, to electronically place requisition orders for goods where necessary and as appropriate, receive, check and safely store goods when delivered.
• To prepare/manufacture equipment/apparatus/specimens. In addition to the routine preparation of glassware, agar plates etc (this duty also includes the manufacture of experimental aids from a variety of materials such as plastic, metal, wood etc)
• To obtain either by purchase from local suppliers or from the local environment, various items for use in science practical lessons. (These can range from nails to woodlice).

Job Description

• To make up solutions/reagents for general laboratory and individual use. To assist teaching staff in the running/supervision of individual practical sessions e.g. assessments and possibly day field trips.
• To provide support to Science teachers and students during lessons where necessary/directed, offering guidance and assistance in practical activities.
• Assist teaching staff in the development of appropriate resources for teaching and learning as directed (including filing and photocopying), and as required to meet the day-to-day needs.
• To attend college meetings and health and safety meetings and feedback as necessary to the department.
• To attend regular technician team meetings.
• To be involved in the annual Performance Manager process.
• Assist Science staff in preparing and setting up display work.
• To ensure all documentation relating to the maintenance of equipment is up to date.
• Attend Open Evenings and other similar college events.
• To undertake such other duties related to the work of the department appropriate to the post as may be assigned.

Budgets and Resources

• Identify resource needs, making recommendations for purchases and ensure the most cost-effective use of budgets.
• Distribute, monitor and store consumables, check/audit stock annually and as necessary. Liaise with Directors of Learning and Finance staff as appropriate.
• Place orders for new and replacement items as required, and maintain associated records.
• Complying with all financial procedures, particularly in relation to ordering processes.

Health and Safety, Environment and Facilities

• Carry out regular Health and Safety checks on all equipment and machinery and ensure the correct procedure is used for the disposal of waste material.
• Assist in the production of Risk and COSHH assessments as appropriate to the Science Department.
• Ensure that all relevant First Aid, Fire and Health & Safety regulations and requirements are implemented, under the direction of the Directors of Learning and report any discrepancies.
• Keep materials, stores and classrooms clean and tidy.
• Maintain a clean, healthy and safe working environment, by consulting with facilities staff, complying with appropriate legislation or college policies/procedures.

Quality & Reporting

• To support and contribute to the quality control procedures in place and report any feedback to be monitored in line with plans and targets within the department Improvement Plan.
• Report, as required, to appropriate colleagues on possible strategies for service development delivery.

General (including Personnel & Relationships)

• Set a good example to students and other staff.
• Contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of the college.
• Work effectively and flexibly with Science Department staff to ensure an effective service, operating timetable and duty rotas.
• Supporting performance management procedures and be an active participant in appraisal.
• Engaging in continuing professional development by attending relevant meetings and training sessions, within college or externally. Recognising own strengths and areas of expertise and using these to advise and support others in the science department.
• Ensuring all appropriate paperwork is completed in line with college requirements.
• Ensuring awareness and implementation of relevant legislation and college policies, including those relating to health and safety, equal opportunities and copyright.
• Ensuring all service policies and procedures are documented, clear and up-to-date.
• Promote and safeguard the welfare of children, young and vulnerable people that you are responsible for or come into contact with.

Any other appropriate duties and responsibilities relevant to the post as directed by the Chief Executive Officer, Principal, Vice Principals, Assistant Principals or Business Manager.

Landau Forte Charitable Trust is a family of six Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form Academies across the Midlands. Established in 1989, our roots as a charity lie in the global finance and hospitality industries, with our founders Martin Landau and Rocco Forte. Their values combine in how our schools look after their children and young people; they aspire to a world-leading standard of innovation, entrepreneurship, service and care.

We believe a brilliant education should be central to the development of every child and young person. Their learning, wellbeing and happiness is at the centre of every decision we take and every pound we spend. 

We are a highly successful and heavily oversubscribed 11 – 19 College with a strong record of success across all aspects of its work.  In May 2014 we were accredited as a School Centre for Teacher Training by the National College for Teaching and Leadership.  In February 2015 we were designated as a Teaching School and the College is a local, regional and national hub for professional development.

The local area

Derby is a vibrant and exciting city, located right in the heart of the UK. The city has a developed arts and culture scene and the area has a great history. The College is located just a few minutes’ walk away from Derby city centre.

Derby provides great range of sports and leisure facilities and is the gateway to the Peak District. Within a 10 minutes’ drive of the city you will find yourself in the beautiful open Derbyshire countryside with unspoilt villages, historic houses and adventurous attractions.

·         Derby is 10 minutes away from M1 junction 25

·         London is 90 minutes away by train

·         East Midlands Airport is 20 minutes away

Complete the application form online at www.lfct.org.uk/careers

All appointments made are subject to satisfactory references and a criminal background check. Landau Forte Charitable Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all members of staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check is required for this post.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked 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.

The Trust will conduct all necessary searches and checks as relevant and in line with Government Safer Recruitment guidelines, our Safer Recruitment policy can be found on our website at www.lfct.org.uk