Lab Technician
Pharo School Nairobi
Overview
Pharo Foundation (“the Foundation”) is a mission-driven, impact-oriented organisation that designs, funds, and operates economic development programmes towards a vibrant, productive, and self- reliant Africa. Over the next decade, our goal is to create maximum impact towards three critical missions:
- Education: ensure that all students have an opportunity to access a high-quality and affordable education and become productive citizens in a rapidly changing world.
- Water: ensure that people and communities across Africa have access to a safe and affordable source of water.
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Productivity: eliminate health, financial, and structural barriers to employment and productivity for working people.
Established within our Education Mission, Pharo Schools are centres of excellence offering top-quality education and integrating extra-curricular activities to ensure an all-rounded approach. Pharo Schools follow their respective countries’ national curriculums and select regional and international ones to ensure our students are competitive. The academic structure is complemented by reading materials and creative technology-based learning solutions. Our schools offer a child-friendly learning environment fostering equality and respect. We strive to ensure all our students realize their full potential.
The Foundation also operates Pharo Ventures which is the for-profit arm of its operations with
sustainable businesses in Ethiopia and Somaliland geared towards job creation and economic
empowerment.
With over 700 employees in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Somaliland, we are a diverse,
multicultural, and passionate organisation. We have our headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, and a
liaison office in London, UK, which is home to our parent organisation, Pharo Management.
Opportunity
Pharo Schools Nairobi is seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Lab Technician who will play a pivotal role in supporting the academic division at Pharo School Nairobi. While the primary responsibility is managing and maintaining the Science Laboratory, the role extends to sourcing and coordinating resources for various academic projects across multiple disciplines. The Technician will collaborate with teaching staff, Lead Senior Teachers, and Heads of Departments in academics to ensure learners and teachers are equipped with the tools and materials necessary for academic success.
Job Title: Academic Lab Technician
Report to: Deputy Head Teacher
Job Location: Nairobi - Komarock, Nairobi.
Contract: 1 year (with a possibility of renewal)
Duties and Responsibilities
1. Science Laboratory Management
- Collaborate with science teaching staff to identify and fulfill their practical work needs.
- Maintain an efficient system for material and equipment allocation, setting priorities when necessary.
- Provide technical advice to science teaching staff on curriculum requirements.
- Assist with laboratory demonstrations before, during, and after class sessions to ensure safety and proper use of equipment.
- Train students and teachers on laboratory techniques and the appropriate care and use of equipment.
- Monitor, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
- Maintain an up-to-date inventory of laboratory supplies and coordinate restocking with relevant staff.
- Handle, store, and dispose of chemicals and biological waste safely and in compliance with regulations.
- Label, store, stock, and order equipment and chemicals as required.
- Service and clean laboratory apparatus and equipment regularly.
- Develop and implement maintenance procedures for laboratory equipment, arranging repairs when needed.
- Report damages and recommend replacements or repairs to the Science Head of Department and Deputy Headteacher.
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Evaluate and recommend new equipment purchases in collaboration with the Science H.O.D.
2. Academic Project Support
- Source and prepare materials for academic projects across various subjects.
- Collaborate with teaching staff and Heads of Departments to understand project requirements and timelines.
- Provide technical assistance and mentorship to learners during project preparation and execution.
3. Health, Safety, and Compliance
- Implement and monitor health and safety protocols for all lab and project-related activities.
- Conduct safety training sessions for staff and students, focusing on best practices and emergency procedures.
- Regularly review and update compliance standards to align with institutional and regulatory requirements.
- Perform safety audits of the laboratory and academic workspaces.
Minimum Requirements
- Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Science Laboratory Technology (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) from a recognized institution.
- Proficiency in other science-related disciplines, such as Agriculture and Nutrition, is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, preferably in an academic setting.
- Proficiency in managing laboratory equipment and sourcing materials.
- Ability to prepare students’ practical work up to Grade 12 level with minimal supervision.
Personal Attributes
- Flexibility and adaptability to handle uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity effectively.
- Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues.
- Commitment to professional growth, embracing feedback, and striving for continuous improvement.
- Alignment with Pharo Schools’ values, with a passion for creating a collaborative and dynamic learning environment.
Application Procedure
Review of applications will begin as soon as they are received and will be an ongoing process. Only complete applications will be reviewed. If an outstanding applicant is identified early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint at any time. For this reason, we encourage interested and suitably qualified candidates to apply at the earliest possible opportunity.
Application Requirements
- A detailed CV
- Cover letter - In your cover letter, please state where you heard about this position or saw it advertised for example through our website, jobs board, etc.
- Provide a written essay (maximum of 1,000 words) that outlines:
- Your experience as a lab technician for the last 2 -3 years.
- Share examples of how you have applied these skills in your previous experience or training.
- Discuss how you envision growing in this role and contributing to the success of the school’s science and practical-based education.
4. An updated list of at least (3) referees with their names, titles, current email addresses, and phone numbers as follows; two supervisors and two peers.