Laboratory Analyst

Thames Water Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday

Generous pension scheme

Health & wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Thames Water Utilities Limited in Reading seeks a Laboratory Analyst to perform water sample analysis, report results, and maintain high quality and compliance in a regulated environment.

The role is 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with standby rota. It is a permanent, full-time position with a salary of £28,830 per annum and a strong benefits package including 24 days holiday, pension, and wellbeing programs.

Qualifications

• A scientific degree or laboratory experience is required.
• LCMS/GCMS knowledge is advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and data integrity in regulated environments.

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory analysis of water samples and report results within required turnaround times.
• Follow laboratory procedures and quality management systems for accurate testing.
• Identify and escalate anomalies that could affect test validity.
• Maintain clear laboratory records and ensure data integrity.
• Support departmental targets for sample completion and reporting.
• Assist colleagues and manage workload to achieve laboratory targets.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and laboratory projects.

Skills

Scientific degree

Attention to detail

Data integrity

Regulated environment

Teamwork

Education

Science degree or equivalent

Tools

LCMS

GCMS

Job description

Job title Laboratory Analyst Ref 46221 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Spencer House - Reading - RG2 0JN Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary This role will be paid £28,830 per annum. Job grade A Closing date 12/11/2026

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.

Working hours:

38 hours per week, Monday to Friday. With standby rota

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.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (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.

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? Learn more.

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.