Appointment of: Laboratory TechnicianInformation for Candidates THE ROLE Queen Mary's has an exciting opportunity for a well-qualified and experienced Laboratory Technician to join our thriving and dynamic science department. It would be desirable if Candidates have previous experience of working within an educational environment scientific laboratory and possess a suitable qualification. Start date for this role: 20 April 2026 To prepare practical resources and maintain facilities, in order to safely and accurately meet the practical needs of the science curriculum. To support the Head of Science to deliver the Science Curriculum by supporting the staff and pupils. Opportunities to contribute to the co-curricular life of this busy, exciting and successful school. The candidate will be positive, inspirational, flexible, and calm under pressure, especially when working in a busy school environment. If you have the energy, commitment and enthusiasm to achieve outstanding academic outcomes and infuse children with a life-long passion for learning, we want to hear from you. This is a term time only position A minimum of 25 hours across 5 days (this can be discussed at interview) MAIN JOB FUNCTION Demonstrate competence in all Science Technician roles and activities Develop the practical elements of the Science Curriculum Manage and supervise the safe treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous substances Advise teaching staff and colleagues on technical & health and safety issues for experiments Coordinate the systems for organising practicals and the running of the Prep Room SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES To ensure that the Science Laboratory is resourced, organised and developed to meet the performance standards required by the department. To have overall responsibility for the promotion and observance of a healthy and safe working environment for the Science department. To work safely and competently at all times to deliver required materials, equipment and practicals. To follow instructions in CLEAPSS information, Schemes of Work, Technician guidance and Risk Assessments To prepare practicals in all 3 subject areas to ensure safe delivery and return of items – including minimising hazards (eg; by preparing chemicals, ensuring fume-cupboards are available and working, and providing advice to teachers. Store, transport and label equipment and materials following local procedures to ensure safe access and transfer Provide safety information and advice to assist teachers with completing their Risk Assessments, and report issues or nonconformances Providing equipment and materials in safe condition for class practicals. Collecting, checking and returning equipment to stores To ensure correct substances are provided to meet needs of science curriculum within legal and risk assessment frameworks To be supportive of the School’s aims, agreed teaching styles, methods of assessment and other policies To work as part of a team, in harmony with and for the furtherance of the School’s ethos and declared educational aims and priorities To liaise closely with the Head of Science in reviewing, revising and implementing policies to ensure teaching and learning are the best they can be. To order and maintain stocks Clean down following experiments Maintenance of equipment The duties currently assigned to this role include: To attend all major school activities, as appropriate (including INSET) To participate in the School appraisal programme Relate to young people in an atmosphere of trust, openness and integrity and encourage a climate of mutual respect To uphold the policies of the School This is not a comprehensive list but a broad outline of duties PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Criteria A highly competent Science Technician Have a Science background To have the ability to work alone and under their own initiative Strong communication and interpersonal skills Ability to be discreet and uphold confidentiality Excellent time management and organisational skills Excellent written English, accuracy and attention to detail Strong IT skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook) Energy, drive, enthusiasm and a positive manner Ability to build excellent relationships with a wide range of people Prepared to undergo appropriate training as requested Awareness of the importance of Child Protection and Safeguarding of young people Willing to play an active part in the life of the School community Desirable Criteria Previous iSAMS experience A willingness to engage with and articulate the School’s Christian values, ethos and heritage Practising Christian Clear sympathy with the advantages of single-sex education Teaching experience in a single-sex school It would be desirable to have knowledge of working in an all-age, independent, boarding school environment THE APPLICATION PROCESS: An application form can be downloaded from the school website and this should be submitted accompanied with a covering letter addressed to the Head, Mrs Fe Beadnell, explaining the motivation for applying for this post and the experience, skills and qualities you would bring to the role. Suitable candidates may be interviewed before the closing date and the school reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made. Applicants are therefore strongly encouraged to apply early. Closing Date for Applications: 12:00noon, Friday, 21 November 2025 Interview Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025 Please send your completed application form to the Head's PA: head@queenmarys.org. All applications will be acknowledged by email. If you have not received acknowledgment that your application has been received within two working days of submitting it, please contact Amanda Stringer (Head's PA) by telephone on 01845 575051. Please be aware that we do not accept or review curriculum vitaes, please do not include these as only completed application forms will be submitted to the shortlisting panel. No Agencies Please TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This appointment is in regulated activity. The following particulars do not form any part of an offer of employment. Terms and conditions, which will incorporate the Staff Handbook and contract of employment, will be documented in due course to the successful candidate. The Laboratory Technician is appointed by the Head on the advice of the Assistant Head: Senior School, subject to enhanced DBS clearance and receipt of satisfactory references The appointee will be required to complete a confidential pre-employment health questionnaire (and medical examination where applicable), the costs of which will be met by the School The salary for this role is dependent on qualifications and will be discussed at interview. Paid in monthly instalments in arrears from the agreed date of the appointment and inclusive of holiday pay The appointee will be expected to participate in an annual appraisal process The appointee is required to give the School one term’s notice of their intention to leave this post Accommodation is not provided The appointment is subject to a 3 month probationary period which may be extended following a performance review Appropriate training will be provided and the school may support any work towards relevant professional qualifications. Additional benefits will include a significant fee discount for children to be educated at Queen Mary’s School (subject to places being available and all relevant admissions criteria being met). Royal London DC Pension is provided Meals will be provided free of charge during term time hours of work. All employees of Queen Mary’s are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons and must adhere to and ensure compliance with the School’s Safeguarding Policy. If in the course of carrying out the duties of this post, the post-holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the school, this must be reported to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. Candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. THE SCHOOL Queen Mary’s School is a Christian community that values, nurtures and respects every individual. A place where all are challenged to do their best, serve others, show compassion and act with integrity. Queen Mary’s School… • Strives for excellence in every endeavour • Loves life and enjoys learning • Nurtures spirituality and personal growth • Respects individuality and embraces diversity • Enhances character and builds resilience • Creates independent young people • Makes strong and lasting friendships Queen Mary's School is an all girls’ independent boarding and day school situated in beautiful countryside, between Ripon and Thirsk. Junction 49 of the A1 is about 2 miles away. Founded in 1925, the school was originally situated at Duncombe Park, but moved to its present site in 1985. Baldersby Park, the school's current home, is a Grade 1 listed building surrounded by 40 acres of landscaped grounds, sports fields and paddocks. There is a co-ed pre-prep department and the main school is for girls only and spans the age range 7 to 16. Whilst a few girls are prepared for Common Entrance at 11, 12 and 13+, most girls stay on and do GCSEs, before moving to new schools and colleges for the sixth form. The School has a strong boarding tradition; however, the School is also attracting an increasing number of day girls and those who board one or two nights each week. Many of the girls who travel to school daily use the school minibus service. Queen Mary’s has a unique family atmosphere with friendliness and concern for others being an important part of the School's ethos. It is one of a group of schools belonging to the Woodard Corporation, an Anglican foundation that promotes Christian education and high academic and pastoral standards within all its schools. All members of staff are expected to be in sympathy with the aims and ethos of the School. Academic development is at the heart of school life, we offer an independent wide ranging curriculum, excellent teaching and a clear understanding of learning potential. With a combination of traditional and modern teaching methods, each pupil is encouraged to enjoy learning, develop her independence and succeed to the best of her ability. The academic life of the School is overseen by the Assistant Head: Senior School and Heads of Department who ensure an up to date and challenging curriculum is in place. On-going relevant and measured assessment is essential and pupil progress is tracked to inform future teaching and learning goals. Above all Queen Mary’s believes that the learning process must be enjoyable and engaging. Teaching and learning are supported by a wide range of resources and extra-curricular activities. The ethos and values foster an enthusiasm for lifelong learning and encourage independence of thought. The children develop self-esteem, a wide range of knowledge and essential communication, study and life skills as they progress. All staff are expected to contribute to the wider community of this successful school. More information about Queen Mary's can be obtained from the website www.queenmarys.org.