We are looking to appoint a skilled and enthusiastic Laboratory Technician to join our dedicated team at Island School.
The successful candidate should be able to ensure the provision of technical support to ensure smooth and successful teaching and learning delivery under a safe and practical environment.
This is a lead technician role to be able to oversee the laboratories and other technicians of the school. It is a full time position with annual leave and medical benefits. A new appointee will be appointed on a 2-year contract terms. Upon successful completion, the person may be considered for appointment on a continuous contract basis based on mutual agreement.
ESF is committed to safeguarding and child protection. As a member of Keeping Children Safe, all our procedures are in alignment with Keeping Children Safe’s International Child Safeguarding Standards. Safer recruitment practices as prescribed by the Safer Recruitment Consortium apply to this process.
About Island School
At Island School, our vision is for Islanders to thrive with happiness, confidence, and purpose - defining success on their own terms and shaping a kinder, more connected world. We are guided by our RISE values of Responsibility, Individuality, Spirit, and Excellence, which underpin everything we do as a school community.
Located in state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of Hong Kong Island, Island School is home to around 1400 students aged 11–18, representing over 40 nationalities, supported by a team of educators from across the globe. As part of the English Schools Foundation (ESF), the largest provider of English-medium international education in Hong Kong, our students benefit from a future-focused curriculum: the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), IGCSE, and the IB Diploma and Career-related Programmes (IBDP/IBCP).
An Island School education goes far beyond the formal curriculum. Students are encouraged to explore boldly, care deeply, and live with purpose through distinctive programmes such as Elements and Explorations, which allow them to pursue passions, and develop the competencies that will serve them in life beyond school. A vibrant extra-curricular life, from sport and the arts to leadership and service, enriches their experience, while adventures such as Quest Week foster resilience and global awareness.
Central to the Island School community is the House system, which provides every student with a sense of belonging, identity, and pride, and nurtures friendships across year groups. ‘Once an Islander, always an Islander’ is a motto that reflects the lasting connection shared by our students, staff, and alumni around the world.
To learn more about Island School and ESF, please visit https://island.esf.edu.hk and https://www.esf.edu.hk
Key Responsibilities and Requirements
Technician I - Laboratories
This role involves managing the Science laboratories and the Science support team, while also assisting teachers with the preparation and set up of practical lessons in Science subjects.
- Supervise a team of Lab Technicians II/III
- Supervise and co-ordinate the work of the LT II/III and Lab Attendants, and be responsible for their Performance Management (PM)
- Prepare practice lessons, etc. – subject specialty
- Prepare duty rosters
- Keep morale of staff
- Deal with interpersonal disputes and issues
- Organize room/timetables
- Instruct and supervise Lab Attendants in the maintenance of the laboratories and the preparation of practical lessons
- Take financial responsibilities
- Prepare budget to have an annual estimate of consumables and additional items for laboratories
- Keep detailed finance records & accounts of expenditure
- Lead new Initiatives
- Lead initiatives in the lab technician team
- Keep purchase orders
- Purchase and keep stores of apparatus, equipment and other inventory (e.g. textbooks in laboratories)
- Oversee tenders requisition
- Order and track equipment
- Carry out annual stocktaking
- Maintain Health & Safety standards in the laboratory
- Set up major health & safety rules in the laboratory
- Manage the disposal of chemicals properly
- Coordinate the maintenance of lab equipment
- Provide in class support and coordinate
- Assist teachers in planning and trying out experiments
- Assist teachers to supervise students in performing experiments
- Communicate effectively and liaise with Head of Department (HOD), teachers, technicians, Business Managers and other colleagues across ESF
To perform other duties and assume accountabilities as apparent or as delegated, including mutually agreed upon objectives
Minimum typical education
Relevant Educational Background
Fluent spoken and written English
Desirable with grade A in Science subjects
Minimum typical experience
10 years of similar or related experience / roles
Core Professional / Technical Competencies required
Abilities
- Adaptability
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Team centred
- Fiscal responsibilities
- Tendering / purchasing
Knowledge
- Having a thorough and up-to-date knowledge of science in science and laboratories
- Licenses - on acquiring of chemicals & disposal
- Government H&S regulation (e.g. Laser license, radioactive, etc.)
- Windows/Google office skills and data processing
- Use of digital teaching aids and systems
Core Soft / Transferable Competencies required
- Delegation
- Leadership of team
- Liaison
- Monitoring team standards
- Planning & Organising Work
- Planning / Organizing and Coordination
- Problem Solving
- Strong communication skills
- Work Standards/Quality Orientation
- Written Communication
All support staff should be professional and dedicated to support the schools operation not only within the department but across the school community.
Find out more about working in an ESF school here.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and offers may be extended prior to the job closing date.
By applying for this position, your application may be considered for other opportunities (senior-level roles, head of department, etc.) within ESF.
ESF is an Equal Opportunities Employer
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities. ESF will not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, religion, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, creed, citizenship or any other status protected by local laws or regulations.
Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the ESF's Personal Data Policy, a copy of which will be provided upon request.
ESF is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in our care and expects all applicants to uphold this commitment. We adhere to rigorous recruitment practices, with all appointments contingent upon an interview, identity verification, criminal background checks (including ICPC, SCRC, and other international background checks as appropriate), assessment of social media presence, and positive references.
In accordance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 guidelines, ESF may perform online checks for all shortlisted candidates prior to the interview.
SupportstaffTechnicians
supportstaff
The English Schools Foundation (ESF) is the largest English-medium international school organisation in Hong Kong. Our 22 schools and comprehensive programme of extra-curricular activities bring out the best in every student through a personalised approach to learning and by inspiring curious minds.
There are over 18,000 students from 75 different nationalities in ESF kindergartens, primary, secondary and all-through schools.
