The Portsmouth Grammar School - Lead Science Technician (Chemistry)

Summary

We are seeking an experienced, safety-minded and well organised Lead Science Technician (Chemistry) to be the lead technical specialist for Chemistry within our Science Technician team.

Detail

The Portsmouth Grammar School is a leading co-educational school located in the historic heart of Portsmouth. We are very much a family school known for excellent teaching, superb pastoral care and wide-ranging co-curricular opportunities and offer an education across the age range from Pre-School to Sixth Form.

Our Science Technicians form a close-knit team of scientific support staff working across Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Their work is central to the pupil experience: practical work is a key part of the academic curriculum, and our technicians enable teachers to deliver it smoothly, safely and with confidence. Our school is renowned for its scientific tradition, and our three science departments are located in a state-of-the-art Science Centre.

We are seeking an experienced, safety-minded and well-organised Lead Science Technician (Chemistry) to be the lead technical specialist for Chemistry. Working in partnership with the Head of Chemistry, you will coordinate the Chemistry technical service; provide high-quality practical support to teaching staff and pupils, from preparing solutions, reagents and equipment to supporting lessons in the laboratory; ensure the prep room and laboratories comply with health and safety requirements, including COSHH and CLEAPSS guidance; manage stock, procurement and budgets; and keep equipment and laboratory spaces safe, well maintained and ready for use.

This is a varied and rewarding role for a technician who takes pride in high standards, enjoys working with young people and is ready to take a leading role. We welcome applications from experienced technicians from school and wider laboratory settings, and we support the professional development of our staff.

Key Requirements

The successful candidate will have:

• A relevant science qualification (A Level or equivalent or above, ideally in Chemistry) and experience of working as a technician in a laboratory environment.
• Practical working knowledge of the safe handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, COSHH and risk assessment, and a firm commitment to the highest standards of laboratory safety.
• Excellent organisation, time management and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritise a busy workload, meet tight deadlines and manage stock, ordering and budgets.
• Confidence in preparing solutions, reagents and apparatus accurately, demonstrating practical techniques, and supporting teachers and pupils during practical lessons.
• A proactive, flexible and solution-focused approach, with good initiative and the ability to stay calm and cope well in busy periods.
• Excellent communication skills and a professional, approachable manner with staff, pupils, parents, suppliers and visitors.
• A genuine motivation to work with children and young people, a commitment to safeguarding and promoting their welfare, and a willingness to undertake training and professional development.

More information about the key duties and responsibilities of the role can be found in the attached job description.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, term-time-only position. During published PGS school terms the hours of work are 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, from 08.30 to 16.30. The role includes attendance at all Professional Development Days (INSET) in the school calendar. A part-time role of 30 hours per week across four days, to include Fridays, could be considered for the successful candidate and can be discussed further at interview.

How to apply:

Candidates are asked to apply using the online MyNewTerm application form which is also linked to our advert on the ‘Work With Us’ page of our school website. We are not able to accept a CV in place of a completed application form and appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

Any enquiries about the role or how to apply are very welcome at recruitment@pgs.org.uk

The closing date for receipt of applications is midday on 24th November 2026 and interviews will be scheduled to take place on the school site on 30th November or 1st December 2026.

Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to interview and appoint in advance of the closing date.

The start date will be February 2027.

Documents

• Lead Science Technician (Chemistry) - PGS Job Description and Person Specification PDF Document