Laboratory Analyst

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday rising to 28

Pension scheme (AON)

Health & wellbeing benefits

Cycle to Work program

Life assurance

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a Laboratory Analyst in Reading to join a dedicated laboratory team focused on testing water samples to safeguard public health. This full-time, permanent role involves conducting analyses, recording results, and complying with quality procedures within tight deadlines.

You should bring a scientific degree or lab experience, with LCMS/GCMS knowledge preferred. The position offers a competitive salary and a pension scheme, plus benefits to support health and wellbeing.

Qualifications

• A scientific degree or experience working in a laboratory environment with sample analysis.
• Background in LCMS/GCMS would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate data.
• Good understanding of quality procedures and compliance in regulated environments.
• Strong organisational skills in a fast-paced lab.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out laboratory analysis of water samples and reporting results within required turnaround times.
• Following laboratory procedures and quality management systems to ensure accurate and compliant testing.
• Identifying and escalating anomalies, errors or issues that could affect test validity.
• Maintaining clear laboratory records and ensuring data integrity.
• Supporting departmental performance targets for sample completion and reporting.
• Assisting colleagues and managing workload to meet laboratory targets.
• Participating in continuous improvement activities and laboratory projects.

Skills

Scientific degree

LCMS/GCMS

Attention to detail

Quality procedures

Organisational skills

Teamwork & communication

Education

Scientific degree or lab experience

Tools

LCMS

GCMS

Job description

The Laboratory Analyst position in Reading, with Pertemps Thames Water, offers a full-time, permanent contract paying £28,830 annually. You will join a laboratory team focused on testing water samples to safeguard public health.

Responsibilities involve conducting analyses, documenting findings within set deadlines, and upholding strict regulatory compliance. You will follow established quality procedures, spot and report irregularities, and keep precise records. This role suits someone with sound technical skills and attention to detail, working within a regulated setting where precision is essential.

Prior experience in a similar testing environment is advantageous, supporting your contribution to dependable outcomes and environmental protection. This is a great opportunity to join our laboratory team, supporting the analysis of water samples that help protect public health and the environment.

In this role, you will conduct laboratory testing, report results within required timeframes, and help maintain the high-quality and compliance standards expected in a regulated environment.

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Analyst

• Carrying out laboratory analysis of water samples and reporting results within required turnaround times.
• Following laboratory procedures and quality management systems to ensure accurate and compliant testing.
• Identifying and escalating any anomalies, errors or issues that could affect the validity of test results.
• Maintaining clear and accurate laboratory records and ensuring data integrity.
• Supporting departmental performance targets for sample completion and reporting.
• Assisting colleagues and managing your workload to ensure laboratory targets are achieved.
• Participating in continuous improvement activities and supporting laboratory projects.

What you should bring to the role

• A scientific degree or experience working in a laboratory environment with sample analysis.
• A background in analytical techniques such as LCMS and GCMS would be advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate and reliable data.
• Good understanding of quality procedures and the importance of compliance in regulated environments.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.

What’s in it for you?

This role will be paid £28,830 per annum.

• 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

(Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job, and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learning at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us?

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know. We’re here to help and support. When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.