| Detail | For this role |
|---|---|
| Department | Education and Teaching |
| Level | Entry level |
| Reports to | Science Head |
| Direct reports | None |
| Experience | Fresher or up to 4 years in a school or college lab |
School Lab Assistant job description template
Copy this job description, replace the text in square brackets and post it on your careers page or a job portal.
Job title: School Lab Assistant
Department: Education and Teaching
Reports to: Science Head
Location: [City], [office, branch or site]
About the role
A School Lab Assistant prepares and maintains the science laboratories so practical classes run smoothly and safely. They set up apparatus and chemicals for experiments, support teachers and students during practicals, maintain equipment and stock, and enforce lab safety. The role reports to the Science Head or laboratory in-charge. A good lab assistant has every practical ready before class, keeps chemicals and equipment safe and accounted for, supports students during experiments, and keeps the lab a safe, orderly place.
Key responsibilities
- Set up apparatus, chemicals and materials for each scheduled practical before class.
- Prepare solutions and specimens as the science teacher's practical requires.
- Support teachers and students during practicals with equipment and guidance.
- Maintain physics, chemistry and biology equipment in working, safe condition.
- Store chemicals safely, label them, and manage safe disposal of waste.
- Keep stock records of apparatus, chemicals and consumables and reorder in time.
- Enforce lab safety rules and keep safety equipment ready for use.
- Clean and reset the laboratory after each practical session.
- Assist in setting up practical examinations and arranging materials.
- Report breakages, shortages and safety hazards to the science head.
Requirements
- BSc in science or a lab technician diploma
- Knowledge of lab safety and chemicals
- Higher secondary in science is a minimum
- Fresher or up to 4 years in a school or college lab
KRAs and KPIs for a School Lab Assistant
Key result areas for the appraisal form, each with a KPI you can measure every month or quarter.
| Key result area | How to measure it |
|---|---|
| Practical readiness | Every scheduled practical set up and ready before the class starts |
| Safety | Zero preventable lab safety incident in the year through strict practice |
| Equipment upkeep | Lab equipment maintained and working with faults reported promptly |
| Stock control | Chemical and apparatus stock records accurate with timely reorder |
| Chemical safety | Chemicals stored, labelled and disposed of correctly with no lapse |
| Exam support | Practical examinations set up correctly on every occasion |
Skills and tools
Tools used day to day: Laboratory apparatus, Chemicals and reagents, Safety equipment, Stock registers, Weighing balance.
Reporting line and career path
Next roles: Senior Lab Assistant, Laboratory In-Charge, Lab Technician
Interview questions for a School Lab Assistant
- How do you prepare a chemistry practical before the class arrives?
- How do you store and label chemicals safely in a school lab?
- How do you keep track of apparatus and reorder before it runs out?
- What safety steps do you enforce during a practical?
- How do you handle a chemical spill or a breakage in the lab?
- Tell me about a time you made a practical class run smoothly.
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What does a school lab assistant do?
A school lab assistant prepares and maintains the science laboratories so practical classes run smoothly and safely. They set up apparatus and chemicals, prepare solutions, support teachers and students during practicals, maintain equipment and stock, and enforce lab safety. They keep chemicals safe and accounted for and reset the lab after each session.
What qualifications do you need to be a school lab assistant?
Most school lab assistants hold a BSc in science or a lab technician diploma, and a higher secondary in science is a minimum. Employers look for knowledge of laboratory apparatus and chemical safety, the ability to set up practicals and prepare solutions, good stock management, and reliability so every practical is ready on time.
Why is safety important for a school lab assistant?
A school lab assistant handles chemicals, glassware and equipment that can be hazardous, and works around students learning practicals. Storing and labelling chemicals correctly, disposing of waste safely, keeping safety equipment ready, and enforcing rules prevent accidents. Careful safety practice protects students and staff, which is why it is central to the role.