The Laboratory Assistant’s overall duty is to assist students and science teacher in conducting practical and experiments. His/her major responsibilities are;

Maintenance

• Keep laboratory equipment and apparatus clean and in good working condition
• Stock taking and organizing the storing of chemicals and equipment
• Maintaining safe storage systems for chemical substances in accordance with recommended practices

Operational

• Assist science teacher in testing out new laboratory experiments prior to classroom implementation.
• Assist in setting up laboratory equipment for science classes/practical.
• Collect and distribute laboratory materials
• Demonstrate experiments and laboratory techniques to teachers and others and advise on chemical and equipment safety matters where appropriate
• Ensure chemical solutions, culture media and other laboratory reagents are prepared for each lesson in line with lab regulations on the safe handling and labelling of chemicals
• Assist in the setting up and testing of experiments and ensure they work satisfactorily
• Ensure apparatus (glassware) is cleaned and returned to designated storage areas after use
• Ensure the safe disposal of biological wastes, chemical residues and other waste materials in accordance with government hazardous chemical regulations

Technical

• Assist students in usage of laboratory equipment.
• Supporting practical classes by preparing chemical substances according to recognized procedures, setting up equipment where required, checking and maintain equipment and organizing for repairs and packing away equipment and materials after use
• Liaising with students on their equipment and material needs for projects (Especially IAs) and work requirements and advising them on appropriate safety procedures when directed by staff
• Inform the Head of department / Laboratory technician of unsafe conditions and where facilities and safety equipment need to be upgraded immediately.

Inventory

• Maintain inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies
• Inform science teachers as to when new supplies and equipment are needed and help with ordering
• Ensure an up to date, detailed equipment inventory (which includes equipment location and breakages) is maintained on an ongoing basis
• Ensure adequate supply of chemicals, biological supplies and other materials are ordered and maintained

The requirements

Qualifications, Experience and Skills

• A Diploma in Laboratory Science Technology, (Biology, Physics, Chemistry)
• At least one year of work experience with a government Institution/ school.
• Should have the ability to learn specific, practical techniques and apply this knowledge to solve technical problems
• Good hand-eye coordination, to use technical equipment with accuracy
• The ability to maintain and calibrate technical equipment
• Time management skills to work on several different projects at once
• Flexibility in order to work with and provide support for a number of people
• Excellent oral communication skills in order to work effectively with colleagues from all parts of the organization and to explain complex techniques to interested parties
• Experience in providing demonstrations and writing technical reports
• Has teamwork skills, patient and pays attention to detail.