Laboratory Assistant

We are seeking a Laboratory Assistant to support our client on an ongoing temporary basis. The role will provide technical support to assigned subject areas within the Science provision. These areas may be flexible in order to meet the current business needs of the college.

Main duties & responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

To ensure efficient and safe working of all relevant college resources. To clean, maintain and repair equipment where possible and call on outside maintenance when necessary. Constructing & modifying apparatus. Setting up and caring for plant and animal collections. To prepares, store and dispose of chemicals and solutions safely and in compliance with COSHH and other relevant legislation To be responsible for the security, storage, issue and return of technical resources and maintain an equipment inventory. To set up/prepare and maintain resources at required locations and times. To assist staff and students as required in the use of equipment. Organising and supervising trainee technicians as required. To supervise technical areas used for practical purposes by students. To assist with the displays of work both within the department and cross-College. To monitor stock levels of all teaching equipment and resources and routinely arrange orders as necessary to maintain adequate supplies. To ensure compliance with current Health & Safety legislation according to regulations relating to COSHH and the Electricity at Work Act. Keeping up-to-date with health & safety requirements and with developments in practical science. (Attending courses & reading publications.) Giving health & safety advice to technical staff, teachers and students. Disposal of waste materials. Checking fume cupboards, pressure vessels and first-aid kits; carrying out electrical and other safety checks, etc. Organising, storing and checking the condition of chemicals and equipment. Preparation of resources, assembling apparatus. Obtaining materials by local purchase. Checking stock, ordering. Keeping stock records. Giving technical advice to teachers, technicians and pupils / students. Carrying out risk assessments for technician activities. Assisting in practical classes & carrying out demonstrations. Collecting, checking and returning equipment to stores. General laboratory cleaning of bench surfaces and fixed equipment.

Health and Safety

• Prepare risk assessments and assist in the induction of staff and students in the safe use of facilities, tools and equipment.
• Ensure the learning areas meet all relevant legislative requirements, including carrying out risk assessment where necessary. Work with Learning Manager to ensure College Health and Safety systems and procedures are in place.