Instructional Assistant- Laboratory

British School Dhahran (BSD)

November 8, 2026

Summary

The Science Laboratory Technician provides technical support for practical Biology, Chemistry and Physics across the Senior School. Working with the Head of Science and teaching staff, the postholder prepares equipment and materials for practical work from Key Stage 3 through IGCSE and A-Level, and keeps laboratories, preparation rooms and stores organised and ready for use. This is a non-teaching role. Teachers retain responsibility for lesson planning, instruction, assessment and student supervision.

Position Duties

The successful candidate will be able to effectively:

School ethos, safeguarding and professional responsibilities

• Support ISG’s mission, “We inspire innovation and compassionate action,” and model its core values of Respect, Acceptance, Integrity, and Responsibility with a commitment to act.
• Safeguard and promote the welfare of students. Follow ISG’s child protection procedures, report concerns promptly through designated channels, maintain professional boundaries and complete required training.
• Work constructively with colleagues, participate in relevant professional learning and undertake other duties appropriate to the role.

Practical preparation and technical support

• Coordinate practical requests and laboratory bookings with science teachers. Confirm equipment, materials and timings in advance and flag any problems that may affect delivery.
• Prepare and check apparatus, specimens, reagents and solutions, including molar solutions, to agreed specifications.
• Trial unfamiliar practical procedures as agreed with teaching staff. Report any issues with the set-up, equipment or materials and suggest practical alternatives where needed.
• Provide technical assistance during teacher-led demonstrations, investigations and practical assessments as requested. Prepare adapted apparatus or materials where agreed to help students participate.
• Clear and reset laboratories after use, clean apparatus, return equipment and materials to storage, and dispose of waste through approved procedures.

Laboratory safety, equipment and stock

• Follow BSD’s laboratory safety procedures and agreed risk assessments. Contribute technical information on hazards, equipment and materials when practical activities are planned or reviewed.
• Label, handle and store chemicals, specimens and other materials in line with school procedures. Maintain accurate inventories and keep safety information accessible to relevant staff.
• Carry out routine checks and basic maintenance within the scope of the role. Take faulty equipment out of use, report defects and coordinate servicing through agreed channels.
• Monitor stock levels, anticipate demand and prepare orders for chemicals, consumables and equipment through the school’s purchasing procedures.
• Keep laboratories, preparation rooms and stores orderly and secure. Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly and follow school emergency procedures.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and/or the Assistant Principals.

Qualifications and Knowledge

Essential

• A relevant qualification in science, laboratory technology or a related discipline, or equivalent technical training and experience.
• Practical laboratory experience that includes preparing materials, setting up apparatus and following safe working procedures.

Desirable

• Experience as a school science technician or in a comparable laboratory support role.
• Experience preparing practical work for secondary Biology, Chemistry or Physics, including at IGCSE, A-Level or equivalent.
• Relevant training in laboratory safety, chemical handling or equipment maintenance.

Experience and Skills 

Essential

• Working knowledge of the apparatus, materials and techniques commonly used in secondary science laboratories.
• Ability to measure accurately, calculate and prepare solutions to specified concentrations, and label materials clearly.
• Ability to recognise laboratory hazards, follow agreed controls and know when to stop work and raise a concern.
• Ability to prioritise competing requests, maintain accurate records and communicate clearly in spoken and written English.
• Ability to work independently within agreed procedures and collaborate with teaching and support staff.

Desirable

• Familiarity with practical work in British curriculum science courses.
• Ability to use digital stock systems, data loggers or other tools that support practical science.

JOB CODE: 02-2627-079