(Fixed term contract) Microbiology Analyst

South East Water Limited; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stakeholder pension

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible annual leave

Volunteer days

Cycle to work

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

South East Water Limited is seeking a Microbiology Analyst for a 6-month fixed-term contract to support the Microbiology and Cryptosporidium sections. You will perform and guide complex analyses, maintain equipment, and ensure data quality within the Laboratory Management System while working twilight shifts (16:00–03:00) with a 15% allowance.

This full-time role (37 hours) offers a fast-paced environment and opportunities to develop professional skills while contributing to safe water supply

Qualifications

• NVQ level 3 or above in a scientific subject.
• Willing to work towards full membership of a professional body.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and laboratory skills.
• Experience with good laboratory practice.

Responsibilities

• Operate instrumentation and perform analyses in line with the Laboratory Management System.
• Maintain and troubleshoot equipment.
• Analyse data and complete laboratory paperwork.
• Maintain daily logs and equipment records.
• Enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System within set timeframes.
• Ensure sample stability and turnaround for the analyses.
• Prepare standards, reagents and QC samples per internal procedures.
• Pursue continued professional development.

Skills

Numeracy

Literacy

Computer literacy

Laboratory skills

Good laboratory practice

Analytical thinking

Education

NVQ level 3

Tools

Laboratory Management System

Job description

Summary: *** (6 month fixed term contract) *** Are you an experienced microbiologist with exceptional planning skills? We’re looking for a focused (6 month fixed term contract), adaptable Microbiology Analyst to help deliver safe, clean, wholesome water to our customers and commercial partners. In this crucial, fast-paced role, you'll perform and guide complex microbiological analysis, interpreting vital data to detect faecal indicator bacteria and protozoa. Working within our market-leading facilities, you'll operate cutting-edge methods under our Laboratory Management System, maintain key equipment, and support both our Microbiology and Cryptosporidium sections. We process samples 365 days a year, so we value high quality standards, drive, and fresh ideas to fuel our culture of continuous improvement. We aim to be the water company people trust and love working for, offering a vibrant, friendly environment where your dedication truly matters. This role is full time 37 hours and has a working window from 16:00pm to 03:00am where most standard shifts will be 16:00pm - 00:00am with a 30 minute break. Due to the role being twilight hours, it comes with a 15% allowance.

Main responsibilities

• Ensure that instrumentation is operated and analysis performed in line with the Laboratory Management system.
• Assist with the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Analyse and interpret data and complete all laboratory paperwork.
• Document information by maintaining daily logs and equipment.
• Ensure data is accurately entered into the Laboratory Information Management System within set timeframes.
• Ensure that the sample stability and turnaround for the given analysis is met.
• Assist to prepare standards, reagents and Quality Control Samples in accordance with company internal procedures.
• Work towards being a competent person according to Regulation 16(2)(d)(i) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 216 (as amended) and to actively pursue Continued Professional Development

You’ll need

• Skills / Qualifications / Experience
• Relevant academic qualification or scientific subject at NVQ level 3 equivalent or above.
• Willing to work towards full membership of a professional body.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and laboratory skills to engage in robust analytical laboratory practice.
• Previous knowledge and/or experience of good laboratory practice.
• Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities.
• The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

Benefits package

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

Compensation package

£28028.25 per annum

Be you, belong and valued. Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

• Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
• We'll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
• A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
• Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.

We supply top-quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England. Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day. It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards. We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future.