National Technician Lead

At STEM Learning we will provide you with the opportunity to work at a purpose driven organisation, renowned as a thought leader in STEM education support.

Our vision is to improve lives through STEM education, through improved teaching and enriched learning for all young people to develop a love of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computing.

We achieve this by operating the National STEM Learning Centre; providing support online, in our STEM community and the STEM Ambassador network across England, and partners in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; alongside a range of other projects supporting STEM education. We also truly believe in the power of practical STEM education as a way to enthuse young people and inspire them to consider a career in science.

This role will provide supervision, management and support to a team of technicians, to ensure the effective running and maintenance of the practical areas of the National STEM Learning Centre, (laboratories, greenhouse, lecture theatres and teaching rooms), enabling and taking part in the expert delivery of the practical component of CPD (Continuous Professional Development).

As a National Technician Lead not only will you be pivotal in taking the technicians programme forward, being a visible voice for the technician community both internally and externally, but be involved in a wide range of management and supporting activities across our offer, including but not limited to:

• Provide management, supervision and support to the laboratory team, planning and allocating work and ensuring tasks are completed to a high standard.
• Ensure the efficient day to day running of the practical component of courses at the Centre, meeting the demands of a busy front-facing service.
• Supervise and train technicians within the team to enable them to support the practical and technical aspects of the courses at the Centre. Supervise technicians in preparing, providing, maintaining, organising and managing (including disposal of waste materials and hazardous substances) the resources and activities required for healthy, safe and secure, exciting practical activities.
• Manage, review and implement procedures to maximise the efficient running of the work areas, including maintaining up-to-date knowledge and investigating and proposing improvements to services, advocating best working practices.
• Deliver our CPD in face to face, remote and bespoke formats, after training and support to develop this aspect of practice.

The main element of this role is the design and implementation of technicians’ professional development courses at the Centre and beyond, providing leadership of the programme by example with high quality delivery of CPD.

Join the leading organisation in STEM education and we can help you grow and develop as a National Technician Lead. You can make a real difference by actively demonstrating a commitment to professional development by continuing to advance your knowledge, understanding and competencies.

With recent and substantial Senior Laboratory experience as an 11-18 technician in secondary school and/or FE college or equivalent, and experience using CLEAPSS/SSERC materials, our ideal candidate will be educated to A Level (BTEC or NVQ) or equivalent education and/or experience.

You will have thorough knowledge of relevant safety regulations and procedures, e.g., COSHH and risk assessments, and relevant theoretical knowledge with the ability to implement practical techniques and perform practical tasks to a consistently high standard.

You will have leadership experience and the ability to plan, manage and take responsibility for own time and work to meet deadlines, using your own initiative but seeking advice where necessary. In addition, you will have proven experience of coordinating, training and supervising members of a team, allocating work as required.

• 30 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Access to an excellent pension scheme
• Our full-time hours are 37 hours per week
• A comprehensive employee assistance programme
• Access to a voluntary staff benefits scheme including cycle to work loan scheme; health cash back plans; free eye tests; discounted vouchers and much more

There is no closing date for this appointment; applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis so early applications are recommended.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please get in touch with Helen Rose, Technician Lead (h.rose@ stem.org.uk).

• Your up-to-date CV including the contact details of two referees (please note, references will not be approached without your permission)
• A covering letter (no more than the equivalent of 2 sides of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you think you would be the ideal candidate.