(Fixed term contract) Microbiology Analyst

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Flexible annual leave

Volunteering days

Cycle to work

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

South East Water is seeking a Microbiology Analyst on a 6‑month fixed term contract to help deliver safe, clean water to customers and partners. The role involves performing and guiding complex microbiological analysis, interpreting data for faecal indicator bacteria and protozoa, and operating modern methods within the Laboratory Management System.

It requires robust quality standards and ongoing development within our Microbiology and Cryptosporidium sections.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Previous knowledge and/or experience of good laboratory practice.

Responsibilities

• Operate and guide microbiological analysis in line with Laboratory Management System.
• Assist with maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Analyse and interpret data and complete laboratory paperwork.
• Maintain daily logs and equipment records.
• Ensure data is entered into LIMS within set timeframes.
• Ensure sample stability and turnaround times for analyses.
• Prepare standards, reagents and QC samples per internal procedures.
• Pursue Continued Professional Development as per Regulation 16(2)(d)(i).

Skills

Numeracy skills

Literacy skills

Computer literacy

Laboratory skills

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

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.

What can you expect from your recruitment?

• It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
• Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.

Compensation package:

£28028.25 per annum