Laboratory assistant at Nova Academies Kenya

As the Laboratory assistant you will play a critical role in the timely preparation of laboratory equipment and materials for science classes, employing safe work practices in the science laboratory by applying Occupational Health and Safety legislation (as per NEMA guidelines), safe storage and disposal of chemicals and biological residues in accordance with regulations, safe storage of laboratory equipment and materials, specialist cleaning of laboratory equipment and laboratory preparation areas.

Function: School

You will be based in our Ondiri or Tatu Campus

Reports to: Principal

Our Team Culture Is Designed To Reinforce Our Vision

• We model the growth mindset we want our students to embody; you are challenged every day and, as a result, you grow more than at any other point in your life.
• We pursue excellence in every detail and do whatever it takes to produce great work quickly.
• We are radically open: we share tough messages and our own vulnerabilities to help us grow.
• We bring infectious energy, enthusiasm, and fun to everything we do because joy fuels the hardest work and learning.

How will your day to day at Nova look like?

• Liaising with science teaching staff on their needs for practical work and maintain an efficient system for use and allocation of materials and equipment, setting a priority system where necessary
• Advising science teaching staff on technical components of curriculum
• Assisting science teaching staff with demonstrations
• Assisting science teaching staff in instructing students on use/care of equipment
• Advising and assist science teaching staff in safety matters relating to the science laboratory
• Demonstrating laboratory techniques to science teaching staff/students
• Assisting with the use of computers and learning technologies within the department
• Setting out equipment and materials for classroom/department
• Using clear classroom demonstrations.
• Maintaining a safe chemical storage/handling/disposal system in accordance with current regulations
• Assisting with security of science laboratory and equipment
• Maintaining an inventory of equipment and annual stocktaking
• Keeping a record of the consumables used regularly and maintain adequate supplies of them (including chemicals).
• Acquiring relevant catalogues and price lists
• Ordering equipment and chemicals in consultation with the manager
• Assisting with labelling, storage, stock taking and ordering of equipment and chemicals
• Keeping appropriate records of purchases, confirming safe arrival of all products
• Manufacturing simple glassware/general equipment for laboratory use
• Servicing and clean simple laboratory apparatus/equipment
• Developing maintenance procedures for laboratory equipment and organize maintenance where required
• Reporting damages to equipment and arrange repairs
• Conducting safety audits for the laboratories
• Creating and maintain chemical and equipment databases
• Maintaining a clean and organised science preparation area.
• Assisting with the science budget and petty cash system
• Assisting with record keeping
• Evaluating and select equipment, and make recommendations for purchase to Science Coordinator.

Who you are

• You are a strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills
• You are able to work well and meet strict deadlines with minimum supervision
• You have excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• You have the ability to work under a lot of pressure
• You are computer literate
• You have a diploma or certificate in Science Laboratory Technology in Physics, Chemistry and Biology from a recognized institution.
• You possess 1-3 years of working experience in a recognized secondary school or equivalent institution.
• You are able to prepare students’ practical work up to 8-4-4 level with minimum supervision.