Science Lab Technician- Immediate Start- Local Hire (Female Only)

Job Overview

Downe House Riyadh is seeking a skilled and proactive Science Lab Technician to join our team immediately. The successful candidate will support the delivery of high-quality science education by ensuring that laboratories, materials, and equipment are prepared, maintained, and used safely in line with curriculum requirements.

About Cognita

Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 100+ schools in 16 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 85,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, ‘Thrive in a rapidly evolving world’.

At Cognita, we know every student is unique. We nurture their distinct personalities and strengths. We support them academically, socially, and emotionally, wherever they are in the world, wherever they’re starting from. We protect what’s special about them, while offering them rich knowledge, opportunities, and best practices. And they get to be part of something bigger; ensuring they get an education that’s, quite literally, world class.

About Downe House Riyadh

Opened in September 2022, Downe House Riyadh delivers a world-class British curriculum in partnership with one of the UK’s most celebrated girls-only private schools. With over a century of excellence, Downe House UK consistently ranks among the country’s top five all-girls’ schools.

Located in the prestigious Aqeeq neighbourhood in northern Riyadh, the school offers a British curriculum enriched with Downe House UK’s tradition and expertise. The programme is carefully adapted for Saudi Arabia, ensuring girls achieve excellence in Arabic and Islamic Studies alongside core subjects.

The close partnership between the Riyadh and UK schools is evident in both philosophy and practice. At the heart of the Downe House ethos is the individual: every girl’s strength, challenges, and interests are recognised, with bespoke pathways that foster confidence and success.

Downe House Riyadh Offers

• A first-class British education leading to IGCSEs and A Levels
• Academic excellence in girls’ education
• Exceptional pastoral care and opportunities for personal growth
• A wide range of co-curricular activities
  
  

The school nurtures intellectual curiosity, creativity, and respect for others through strong pastoral systems, personalised tutoring, and a spotlight on every student.

School Structure

• Pre-Prep: Nursery to Year 2 (ages 2–7)
• Prep: Year 3 to Year 8 (ages 7–13)
• Senior: Year 9 to Year 13 (ages 13–18)
  
  

Boys and girls are admitted from Pre-School to Year 4.

The state-of-the-art campus features dedicated libraries, central atriums, science and design labs, art studios, a 450-seat theatre, music, dance, and drama facilities, IT labs, and both senior and learner swimming pools.

Role Overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly organised Science Lab Technician to join our team. The successful candidate will play a vital role in supporting the delivery of practical science lessons across KS3–KS5, ensuring that all equipment, materials, and environments are prepared and maintained to the highest standard.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, maintain, and organise equipment and materials for science practicals.
• Support teaching staff and students during practical activities, ensuring safe and effective use of resources.
• Carry out risk assessments, safety checks, and disposal of hazardous waste in line with Health & Safety and COSHH regulations.
• Maintain, repair, and store equipment, ensuring all resources are secure and ready for use.
• Provide advice on safe laboratory practices and assist with stock control.
• Ensure labs are tidy, safe, and compliant with all health and safety standards.
  
  

Essential

Person Specification:

• Minimum GCSEs (or equivalent) in Science, English, and Maths.
• Strong understanding of Biology, Chemistry, and Physics up to KS5.
• Experience preparing science practicals across multiple disciplines.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations (including CLEAPSS).
• Skilled in maintaining laboratory equipment and safe handling of chemicals.
• Excellent organisational and ICT skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and supporting student learning.
  
  

Desirable:

• Further qualifications in Science or Laboratory Technology.
• Experience working in a school science department.
• Familiarity with A-Level practical specifications.
• First Aid training (or willingness to undertake training).
  
  

Why Join Downe House Riyadh?

Be part of a prestigious, globally connected school with a reputation for excellence.

Work within a supportive and professional team that values collaboration and innovation.

Gain experience in a dynamic international school setting while contributing to a meaningful short-term project.

Our Offer

The successful candidate will benefit from an attractive tax-free salary. In addition, there will be a significant commitment to supporting the development and career goals of the successful candidates.

Application Process

This position is open to local hire, female candidates only, with an immediate start date.

Applications can be submitted via the TES online application form, only fully completed application will be processed. To support your application, please include your current, up-to-date CV.

Interviews will take place in person.

If you are passionate about supporting science education and want to join a world-class learning environment, we encourage you to apply.

The school reserves the right to interview and appoint strong candidates before the official closing date, and therefore we would encourage candidates to apply early in the process.

Thank you for your interest in Downe House Riyadh. Due to the large number of applications expected, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Downe House Riyadh School and Cognita are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects the same from its employees. All new staff will be subject to detailed and enhanced pre-employment clearance, including identity checks, criminal background checks for all countries lived in, qualification checks, employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps in employment, and satisfactory reference checks for all employment in the last 10 years.