Laboratory Analyst

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utilities provider is seeking a Laboratory Analyst in Reading. The role involves analyzing clean and wastewater samples and requires A-level education with science experience. You will be responsible for sample preparation, maintaining laboratory instrumentation, and accurately reporting results. This permanent, full-time position offers a salary of £28,830 annually and includes various benefits such as 24 days of holiday and a pension scheme.

Benefits

24 days holiday, increasing with service

Generous Pension Scheme

Performance-related pay plan

Health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience working in a routine sample testing or laboratory environment.
• Working knowledge of QMS protocols and methodologies.
• Ability to analyze and report results accurately.

Responsibilities

• Conduct metals sample analysis and report results accurately.
• Maintain full and accurate records for sample analysis.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Teamwork

Motivation and determination

Attention to detail

Education

A-level education with science experience

Science degree

Job description

Job title Laboratory Analyst Ref 43573 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 05/01/2026

Initially, as a Metals Laboratory Analyst, you will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of clean and wastewater samples using accredited methodologies. Over time, you will progress to working with the latest state of the art analytical equipment and bespoke analysers, including ICPOES and ICPMS.

The Metals team within the Thames Water laboratories plays a vital role in the business, helping to ensure our drinking water is safe and clean, and that wastewater is treated correctly and responsibly.

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Analyst

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by working safely, logging incidents where required, and proactively encouraging safe working practices to protect yourself, your colleagues, and the environment
• Carry out metals sample analysis and report results accurately and within required timeframes, in line with laboratory procedures, technical standards, and quality management systems
• Prepare samples and maintain instrumentation across a range of analysers, working flexibly within the Metals team to provide cover across different instruments and testing areas
• Maintain full and accurate records for sample analysis and test reporting, producing reports where required for the team leader and above, and ensuring all records meet QMS and technical procedure standards
• Actively develop your skills and knowledge by participating in the Laboratory Progression Scheme, working towards achieving Competent Analyst status for routine analytical methodologies within three years of your start date
• Provide accurate, timely, and appropriate information in response to customer enquiries, with a clear understanding of customer requirements, the importance of laboratory data, and the impact of your actions
• Support team, laboratory, and company-wide initiatives such as continuous improvement, Hear for You action planning, environmental working groups, and health and safety funding strategies

What you should bring to the role

• Hold a minimum of A-level education with science experience; a science degree would be an advantage
• Have experience working in a routine sample testing or laboratory environment
• Enjoy working as part of a team, feel comfortable working across all Metals areas, and follow set protocols and methodologies within our QMS
• Show motivation and determination to learn new responsibilities, with a genuine willingness to grow and develop within the role through our progression schemes

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.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• 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.

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.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.