Job Description

Job Introduction

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Biology Laboratory Technician to join our outstanding Science department. This would be the ideal role for someone with an interest in, and a passion for, Biology as a subject. The successful candidate will assist in the preparation of practical lessons, provide support to teachers and pupils during practical tasks, maintain stock and undertake general administration tasks, whilst striving to ensure a safe working environment.


The Biology Laboratory Technicians are primarily responsible for providing practical assistance to Biology teachers at Westminster School and to support the effective teaching of pupils in all age groups. The technicians work closely with the Head of Biology and are supported by the other teachers in the department and the Head of Science. Technicians work Monday to Friday during the teaching day and support Saturday teaching on a rota throughout the year, with no more than nine Saturdays in total.


The main aim of the technical team is to ensure provision of equipment and materials for use in teaching - both for practicals and demonstrations - and there is plenty of scope for development within the role.


Main Responsibilities

1. Laboratory Servicing

Taking note of practical requirements Preparation of apparatus, specimens, chemical solutions and other materials for practical work and demonstrations; ensuring that all equipment and materials required are laid out in the laboratory before the start of each lesson, and that any demonstrations are set up as directed. Clearing equipment and materials from laboratories after practical work and demonstrations; wiping down of surfaces when necessary; ensuring safe disposal of unwanted chemicals, broken glassware and other waste materials. Washing up of used glassware; ensuring laboratory glassware/equipment is replaced as necessary. Preparation and setting up of practical assessments, as required. Undertaking general maintenance of the laboratory, checking that all equipment is clean and safe to use, and that stocks of equipment are kept full. Assisting with the testing of new experiments (in conjunction with Head of Biology) before their use in a classroom setting. Setting up of microscopes and computer equipment when required.

2. Construction and Repair

Maintaining and repairing glassware/apparatus and other laboratory equipment to required standards, including obtaining estimates and arranging for more complex repair/servicing work; advising electricians of any electrical equipment that needs servicing or attention. Testing of new equipment (at the direction of the Head of Biology) and devising new practical work. Construction and/or modification of apparatus for use and display.

3. Health and Safety

Ensuring safe storage and/or disposal of equipment, glassware, chemicals and waste materials in line with recognised procedures and to produce appropriate risk assessments (to include labelling of chemicals used in the laboratory). Inspection and where possible maintenance of safety equipment. Keeping up-to-date with health and safety requirements and with developments in practical science, possibly by attending courses and reading relevant publications. Giving of health and safety information to other technical staff and teaching staff where appropriate. Knowing the position of first aid boxes and eye wash bottles and returning them if used or moved; requesting replenishment of first aid supplies from the School Surgery when such items have been used or are out of date. Checking that prep rooms and laboratories are closed and locked at all times when there is no technician or member of the teaching staff present. Checking that all windows are closed at the end of the day; all fire extinguishers are in place and all gas taps are turned off.

4. Advisory

Assisting staff with practical work and demonstrations if requested. Advising staff (and occasionally pupils) on suitability of equipment and materials for experiments. Advising Sixth Form Biologists on their project designs with regards equipment and materials, including demonstrating how to use such equipment and materials safely.

5. Administration

Providing and running an efficient system for ordering, stocking, storing and distributing items used in the Biology department, including any associated record keeping; storage of data and up-to-date stock lists on computer. Management of information and recording systems including catalogues of chemicals, equipment inventories and legal records related to Health and Safety and equipment/appliance testing. Receiving and checking of deliveries to the Biology department and associated invoices. Obtaining certain materials by local purchases, as necessary.

6. General and Housekeeping

Ensuring general tidiness of laboratories and prep room. Photocopying of practical sheets when necessary. Answering the phone and taking messages. Checking lab coats and sending them to laundry as required. Checking condition of laboratory apparatus (e.g. microscopes and Bunsen burners) at the end of each term and cleaning as necessary. Cleaning of surfaces and sinks. Thorough cleaning of prep room and reorganisation of storage (as necessary) at the end of every term. Cleaning of trolleys, shelves. Full checking of stock at the end of every term, noting deficiencies. Working with others in the department to acquire a wider range of technical skills, and passing his or her own skills on to others Undertaking of other duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post, as may be determined by the Head of Biology, in consultation with the Head of Science.



The Ideal Candidate

Please refer to the attached person specification for further details.

Equal Opportunities

We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.


About The School

Working at Westminster

Westminster School is a busy, purposeful and vibrant place to be and an excellent workplace. The community is made up of around 750 pupils, 120 teaching staff and 108 support staff.


Our staff are friendly and welcoming, and all newcomers quickly become part of the rhythm of life here.


There is a real sense of community here as, being a boarding school many members of staff and pupils live on site and the School's premises are very much treated as a home away from home. School life starts before breakfast and continues way beyond the working day; as a result, there is always a lively atmosphere in and around School and always someone to share a tea and biscuit with in the Common Room. Support staff as much as teaching staff are encouraged to embrace the School's day-to-day activities, whether that be attending an evening concert or a morning service in the Abbey.


At Westminster we will always select the best candidate for every position. We do know, however, that we can only truly choose the best person on every occasion if a broad and diverse pool of candidates see the job advertised and are encouraged to apply.


As such, we continue to work on how our job roles are encountered, and particularly welcome applications from groups who have traditionally been underrepresented here.


Westminster School is for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We hope you are encouraged to apply.

The School

Westminster School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 13-18 and girls aged 16-18, with a long history, a distinctive ethos, and a unique sense of place in the very heart of London. Pupils achieve exceptional examination results and entrance to some of the top universities in the world. It is a busy, passionate and purposeful place where independent and deep thinking is enjoyed, encouraged and respected by all, and where holistic excellence is nurtured and valued.


While the School is one of the foremost centres of academic excellence in the country, its commitment to academic life does not make it a hothouse for passing examinations. Pupils' success at examinations and entry to leading universities is instead a result of their enjoyment of academic enquiry, debate and search for explanation, well beyond published syllabuses. Pupils are intellectually, socially, ethically and politically engaged and our aim is to ensure that their enthusiasm for learning is developed further, allowing them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them in the future. At Westminster, pupils have the freedom to lead on projects outside of the classroom and embrace a whole range of extra-curricular activities and interests. A host of pupil-led societies take place every week at the School, often with expert guest speakers, and pupils can choose to study an additional language, play an instrument or two, volunteer in local primary schools, row along the Thames, take part in plays and musicals, and much more.


The School's ethos resides in the enduring values of the liberal tradition reflected in the 1560 Charter of Westminster's Elizabethan foundation, where it is stated that: 'the youth which is growing to manhood, as tender shoots in the wood of our state, shall be liberally instructed in good books to the greater honour of the state'. Whilst academic and cultural attainments are highly prized at Westminster, the School is fully committed also to each pupil's spiritual, moral, emotional and physical development and wellbeing - with a particular emphasis on drawing out individual talent wherever it lies - and to prepare young people for fulfilled private and public lives.


From September 2028, the School will welcome both girls and boys at 13+ entry, offering a Westminster education to all. By 2026, Westminster Under School will have opened its brand new pre-prep for girls and boys at 4+ and girls will have joined boys in Years 3 and 7, at the 7+ and 11+ entry points. By 2030, all year groups at Westminster School and Westminster Under School, from ages four to 18, will be fully co-educational, reflecting the School's dedication to inclusivity and excellence.


Package Description

Required for:

January 2026

Location:

Dean's Yard - Westminster School

Contract:

full-time (term-time only), permanent

Salary:

Westminster School has its own salary scale, and new members of staff are placed at a point relevant to their qualifications and experience. Details of salary will be discussed at interview with those candidates who are shortlisted.

The deadline for applications is midday on Wednesday 5th November 2025. Interviews will take place in-person shortly after the closing date.