Science Dept. Assistant at Ghana International School

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Preparation and Lesson Support

·       Prepare equipment, materials and resources for experiments, demonstrations and practical activities in accordance with teachers' instructions.

·       Set up the laboratory and ensure that required resources are available well before each lesson.

·       Distribute, collect, clean and safely store equipment and materials before and after practical activities.

·       Assist teachers during practical lessons, demonstrations, investigations and hands-on activities.

·       Help students use equipment safely and correctly, under the direction and supervision of the teacher.

·       Support the organisation of students during practical activities and report any concerns promptly to the teacher.

·       Assist with the preparation and maintenance of science displays and displays of students' work.

Health, Safety and Safeguarding

·       Maintain a clean, orderly and safe laboratory environment and follow all school health and safety procedures, laboratory safety guidelines and relevant risk assessments.

·       Check equipment before use and immediately report damaged, faulty, missing or unsafe items.

·       Ensure that equipment, chemicals, specimens and other materials are clearly labelled and stored safely in their designated locations.

·       Assist in checking and maintaining laboratory safety supplies and protective equipment, as directed.

·       Ensure that students use the laboratory only under the supervision of an authorised teacher and immediately report any supervision concern.

Equipment Stock and Resource Management

·       Monitor stock levels and usage, forecast replacement needs.

·       Assist with ordering, receiving, checking and storing laboratory supplies, as required.

·       Label cupboards, shelves and keys, and maintain a clear reference system.

·       Arrange routine cleaning and basic maintenance of equipment and report repairs or specialist maintenance needs promptly.

Laboratory Organisation and Administrative Support

·       Keep work surfaces, sinks, cupboards, practical areas and access routes clean, organised and free from unnecessary hazards or obstructions.

·       Assist with photocopying, printing, filing, labelling and organising science resources.

·       Prepare resources for assessments, projects, departmental activities and co-curricular science activities, as required.

·       Provide other reasonable administrative and operational support related to the effective functioning of the Science Department.

Support for Students

·       Encourage safe, responsible and organised laboratory habits, including the appropriate handling of equipment and resources.

·       Support students who require assistance with practical tasks, as directed by the teacher, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

·       Promote a positive, inclusive and engaging environment for science learning

Professional Responsibilities

·       Maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff and school matters.

·       Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, sound judgement and attention to detail.

·       Attend relevant meetings, training sessions and professional development activities, as required

·       Follow all school policies, procedures and lawful instructions.

Person Specification

·       A relevant science, laboratory, technical or educational qualification, or equivalent relevant experience, would be advantageous.

·       Previous experience in a school, laboratory or educational environment would be desirable.

·       Knowledge of basic laboratory safety procedures, or willingness to complete required training.

·       Good organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise and prepare resources accurately.

·       Basic computer and administrative skills.

·       A strong commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and maintaining a safe, clean working environment.

Key Performance Expectations

·       Science lessons and practical activities are prepared accurately, safely and on time.

·       The laboratory is consistently clean, organised, secure and ready for use.

·       Teachers and students receive effective and appropriate support during practical activities.

·       Stock and equipment records are accurate, current and sufficiently detailed to support timely replenishment and replacement.

·       Health, safety, safeguarding and reporting procedures are followed consistently.

·       Damaged, missing, faulty or unsafe equipment and materials are reported and escalated promptly.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

A minimum of a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a Science-related discipline, Science Education, Laboratory Technology/Science, or a relevant technical field. Previous experience supporting practical science activities in a school or laboratory environment would be an advantage.

Desirable Qualifications

·       Basic knowledge of laboratory health and safety, chemical handling, storage and inventory management.

·       Experience working with children or in a Junior/Primary School environment would be an advantage.

·       Good ICT and administrative skills, particularly for maintaining inventories and records.

·       Willingness to undertake the school’s required safeguarding and laboratory safety training.