Science Technician
Full time, term time
Starting ASAP/ September 2025
Headington Rye Oxford is a vibrant and welcoming school set in 23 acres of playing fields and grounds. In an environment where individuals come first, Headington Rye Oxford is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, pastoral support and an impressive range of extra-curricular opportunities.
Executive Summary
We are seeking an enthusiastic School Science Technician to join our team.
Initially, you will work alongside an existing Technician in either the Biology or Chemistry departments with appropriate supervision and training supplied. You may also be required to provide cover across the other departments during busy periods or the absence of colleagues.
The successful candidate will be educated to A Level, or equivalent standard, and will have experience working in a school science environment. You will possess excellent verbal and written communication skills. You will be confident in coordinating the use of practical resources and facilities and be capable of building relationships with teaching and support staff.
The position is full time, term time, though there may be opportunities for specific or flexible working hours if compatible with the overall requirements of the Science Faculty.
Science at Headington Rye Oxford
Headington Rye Oxford Science Faculty comprises three Science departments, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, housed in 13 modern, exceptionally well-equipped Science laboratories. The Science curriculum is delivered by subject specialists to pupils aged 11-18. An important focus is placed on experimental work at all key stages, which is made possible by support from the faculty’s collaborative, friendly and innovative technician team. Each department has its own preparation area(s) devoted specifically to that discipline’s needs and resources.
The Science Faculty takes a particular pride in its practical approach and strives to create opportunities at every level to enhance learning through experimentation. This includes independent project work, often using ICT and datalogging hardware.
Our pupils are actively encouraged to extend their understanding of the subject beyond the scope of the syllabus by participating in science Olympiads and other STEM-related activities such as Dissection Club, Electronics, Microscale Chemistry, Space Society, GCSE and A Level Olympiads, Dragons' STEM and HPQ/EPQ. .
Role Description
This role is a full-time, permanent, term-time plus five days position starting ASAP or in September 2025.
The successful candidate will provide Science Technician support for Chemistry and Biology teaching up to A Level.
Key Responsibilities
- liaise with teachers and other technicians to understand lesson requirements - Headington Rye uses Lablogger software to manage experiment requests and schedules
- prepare classroom resources, setting out materials, equipment and components for practical lessons, ensuring a safe working environment
- clean, store and dispose safely of materials and equipment after use
- prepare chemical solutions
- monitor levels of materials and consumables and replenish as necessary
- undertake regular and elementary maintenance , safety checks, care and minor repairs of tools and machinery as required
- assist in the maintenance of all our ‘living things’: a pond, an aquarium and various flora and fauna
- ensure that risk assessments are strictly adhered to and report any problems to the Senior Science Technician or Head of Science
- support the Science Faculty with administrative and clerical duties as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Science Technician experience within a school or other academic institution
- experience prioritising and managing changing workloads and situations and working flexibly to meet the demands of the position
- educated to A Level (or equivalent) standard
Personal Attributes and Skills
- have a keen interest in all aspects of Science
- commitment to providing the best possible service for teaching staff and thus the best possible experience for the pupils
- be self-motivated but also work well within a team
- able to carry out duties in a safe and controlled manner, following due processes and procedures
- good numeracy, literacy and time management skills
- commitment to continuous professional development
- sympathy with the values and ethos of the School
Terms of Appointment
Type of Contract
Full time, permanent, term time plus five days, starting ASAP / September 2025
Benefits
Pension
Contributory membership of the School’s Support Staff Pension Scheme with a School contribution of up to 9.95 per cent upon successful completion of six months’ service.
Fee remission
In accordance with the School’s policy, which may be subject to change, up to 50 per cent fee remission for pupils attending Headington Rye Oxford and up to 20 per cent fee remission for boys attending Magdalen College School (under a reciprocal agreement) and subject to the terms of their policy. Fee remission is calculated on the number of weeks and hours worked and is pro rata for part-time staff who work at least 50 per cent of a normal working week.
Salary
Pro-rated salary approximately £21k for a full-time, term-time only role (approximately 33 weeks plus approximately five days per full academic year).
(The full-time equivalent salary based on 37.5 hours per week, all year-round would be approximately £28k per annum).
Additional Benefits
All staff have access to a broad programme of wellbeing activities. The programme currently includes access to the School’s gym and swimming pool, weekly Step and Tone and Zumba classes and regular staff social activities such as Book Club and Staff Choir. Staff also benefit from free access to the Employee Assistance Programme, a free, confidential helpline that offers advice on a range of issues. Free restricted parking is available for all staff on site.
Appointment Process and How To Apply
Applicants should submit an application form and a covering letter detailing their skills and experience to recruitment@headingtonschool.com. Potential candidates might like to contact Richard Clarke, Senior Science Technician, to initiate an informal discussion prior to making an application, though it is not part of the application process if you have all the information you need. Contact should in the first place be made to recruitment@headingtonschool.com
- Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in substitution for completed application forms. However, they may be sent in addition to the application form.
- We will seek references on successful candidates and will approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications. References will ask about your suitability to work with children.
- If you are invited to interview you will receive notification outlining the interview process and guidance regarding the documentation you are required to provide.
Closing Date: Please apply immediately
Please note that applications will be reviewed and shortlisted on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to interview, appoint and close adverts early depending on the volume of applications we receive. We therefore encourage you to apply at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory completion of all employment checks, ie references, Disclosure and Barring Service, medical questionnaire, Right to Work in the UK. Headington School is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Applicants must undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and DBS and barred lists checks. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
