The Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) is one of the largest private, not-for-profit, non-denominational educational networks in the developing world. AKES, U operates schools from Pre-School to High School and offers the British National Curriculum (BNC), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and the Uganda National Primary and Secondary curriculum.

Job Summary: The Laboratory Assistant’s overall duty is to assist students and science teacher in conducting practical and experiments.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 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

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

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.