Job Description

Position Title              :         High School Science Lab Technician

Supervisor’s Title       :         Science Department Head of Department

Effective Date             :        1 August 2020

Salary Schedule          :        Depends on experience and qualification

Position Description   :        Responsible for providing assistance to the High School science teachers in conceiving,         

                                            preparing, delivering and breaking down laboratory investigations and demonstrations.     

                                            Maintaining science laboratory equipment and supplies, and following procedures to ensure 

                                            safety in and around science laboratories. Supervising students completing independent

                                            research projects

I. COMMITMENTS

AISC Mission

Together we inspire a love of learning, empowering all students with the courage, confidence, creativity and compassion to make their unique contribution in a diverse and dynamic world.

Our Core Values

Respect | Responsibility | Excellence | Integrity | Diversity
We believe that…

1. Each person has equal intrinsic value, worthy of dignity and respect.
2. We are responsible for our choices and their effect on ourselves, others and the environment.
3. Being open to new ideas and challenging experiences enriches our lives. 
4. Mutual respect, trust and caring foster healthy interpersonal relationships. 
5. Embracing our diversity makes us a stronger community.
6. In an interconnected world, our positive contributions to the community and the environment are essential.
7. Individuals thrive in a nurturing environment that provides for their physical and emotional safety.

Our Vision for the AISC Learner
At AISC, successful learners are…

Leaders

We show courage by taking action and inspiring others to serve and contribute positively to our interconnected world.  Leaders develop a vision, plan appropriately, and work collaboratively to achieve results.

Collaborators

We develop a deeper understanding by listening carefully to others’ perspectives and confidently articulating personal viewpoints in the pursuit of common goals.

Innovators We approach uncertainty with confidence, designing novel solutions in the face of challenges or change. Innovators are creative, resourceful, open-minded and resilient, seeking new perspectives through inquiry, trial, error and feedback.

Explorers

We investigate new interests with curiosity, inquiring with purpose, and seeking deeper understanding and fulfillment through independent pursuits.

Thinkers

We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical, data-informed decisions.

Ethical

We show responsibility for our choices and consider their effects on ourselves, others, and the environment. We act on our principles and ideals because we value the dignity of others.

Versatile

We adapt to changing circumstances, balancing our commitments and showing courage as we take on new challenges. We seek new opportunities for learning, growth, and renewal.

Empathetic

We appreciate our own cultures and personal histories while respecting the values and traditions of others, believing each person has equal intrinsic value. We are sensitive to the needs of others and show compassion by making positive contributions to our local and global communities and the environment.

Resilient

We demonstrate ongoing commitment to our endeavors by learning from our successes and failures in the positive pursuit of our objectives, goals, aspirations, and dreams. We practice patience and persistence in all situations, especially when they are challenging or uncomfortable. 

Reflective

We pause to think about our goals, learning, and growth in order to develop and sustain our creativity and lifelong learning. We review and examine our own ideas and experiences in relation to the world and consider our interdependence and impact on others.

II. TALENTS

Successful AISC teachers demonstrate eight critical talents.

Achievers

AISC teachers are achievers who have a fire burning inside of them, pushing them to do more each day. They gain energy from their accomplishments, working hard without feeling burn out. These accomplishments are the power supply that sets the pace and defines high levels of productivity to keep groups and teams moving.

Connectedness

AISC teachers value connectedness.  They know things happen for a reason and feel part of a bigger picture. They know they are not isolated from one another and take responsibility for this, becoming bridge builders for other people and those from different cultures.  Connected professionals are considerate, caring and accepting.  

Developer

AISC teachers are developers. They see the potential in everyone and their goal is to help others experience success by challenging them to meet their potential. They search for signs of growth to celebrate along the way, and supporting this growth both energizes and inspires them. 

Empathy

AISC teachers are sensitive and aware because they have empathy. People are drawn to empathetic educators because they are able to walk in their shoes. Endemic in empathy is understanding which entails sensing, feeling, listening, and voicing. They can see and express the world as others see it and feel it. 

Individualization

AISC teachers value individualization and are intrigued by the unique qualities of each person. They observe each person’s style, motivation, thought process and relationship needs. They are keen observers of other people’s strengths and can draw out the best in each person. They also help to build productive teams.

Input

AISC teachers are inquisitive and curious as they seek input. They identify areas of specialization and make time to read books and articles that stimulate them. They actively seek information to enhance understanding. They are systematic in their information storage and enjoy sharing it with others. 

Learners

AISC teachers love to learn. The outcome is less important to them than the process of learning itself. Growing confidence of mastery entices learners to continue engaging in new experiences. This enables them to thrive in dynamic environments. 

Strategic 

AISC teachers are strategic, able to see patterns and accurately evaluate potential obstacles. When facing challenges, AISC teachers consider multiple pathways and approaches and evaluate the potential obstacles of each. They then select the best possible path and are not afraid to move forward.

III. KNOWLEDGE

• Strong understanding of chemistry, including safe handling and disposal of chemicals. Knowledge of biology and physics is an advantage.
• Strong understanding of laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Knowledge of computer-aided, lab-related instruments and their softward  such as Vernier probes and sensors. 
• Fluent in speaking and writing in the English language.

IV. SKILLS

• Ability to prepare specific chemical solutions ( mass %, molar).
• Ability to use scientific equipment such as drop counters, titration equipment, data logging equipment and spectrophotometers.
• Ability to use Google Suite
• Ability to collaborate with multiple teachers and prioritise assignments.

V. POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Coordinates with teachers to support short- and long-term classroom needs by:

1. Preparing and setting up laboratory experiments for student labs and teacher demonstrations and helping to ensure they are run safely in the classroom. This may include:

• Following teacher instructions communicated verbally or in a printed handout.
• Preparing solutions of specified concentrations or pH, or cultures of bacteria or other microscopic organisms as needed.
• Carrying out a test-run of the experiment, if necessary, in order to ensure a successful run of the experiment in the classroom.
• Being available in the science lab to assist students and teachers.
• Continually upgrading skills in using new equipment, new technology, data collection and lab techniques.
• Cleaning up labs and returning all materials to designated space including equipment up to 15 kg.

3. Ensuring the safe and organized storage and use of chemicals, lab supplies and equipment. This may include:

• Working with other science assistants to maintain and continually update an inventory of science materials and equipment.
• Ensuring that there is a space designated for storing each equipment/material.
• Learning and following safety guidelines for classifying and storing chemicals, as well as for the safe disposal of chemicals.
• Modeling personal safety in procedures and techniques.

4. Ensuring the availability of equipment/materials for laboratory experiments. This may include:

• Cleaning glassware and other equipment and storing them in designated areas.
• Contacting local repair agents for servicing and repair of science equipment when needed.
• Organizing, inventorying and maintaining science materials and equipment.
• Preparing orders for the purchase of locally available equipment and materials.

5. Providing overall assistance to the science department. This may include:

• Maintaining bulletin board displays. 
• Making photocopies and transparencies for teachers and providing general clerical assistance.
• Assisting teachers with audio-visual equipment.
• Working with science teachers when requested as directed by the teacher, to enhance science instructional programs.

6. Supervising IB students working on the IB group 4 project and/or internal assessment (IAs)
7. Performing other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher/Section Principal/designee.

V. PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Science
• Specific experience in a laboratory setting

NOTE:

There shall be a job description for employees of American International School - Chennai. Such descriptions are meant to outline general responsibilities, to delineate lines of authority, and to assign certain specific tasks. Often it will be necessary to assist in something that is not specifically spelled out on one’s own job description; or even to take over a task normally assigned to another individual.  In such cases, it is essential that a spirit of willing cooperation be demonstrated.  At the same time, job descriptions are to be kept in mind by all supervisors in assigning tasks.  Adherence to the spirit, if not the letter, of such descriptions will make for a more congenial, productive atmosphere.  I have read and understand the duties assigned to this position.