Laboratory Analyst

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

Job summary

A leading water utility company in Reading is seeking a Laboratory Analyst to prepare and analyze water samples using advanced analytical techniques. The ideal candidate should have laboratory experience or relevant qualifications, and a focus on delivering excellent customer service. This role offers opportunities for progression, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits package, all while contributing to water safety for millions of customers.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary of £28,830 per annum

Annual Leave - 24 days, increasing to 28

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Have previous experience working in a laboratory, or hold a related Science degree or A-Level in a science-related subject.
• Follow strict instructions and guidelines to produce, record, maintain and verify data within a highly regulated UKAS-accredited Laboratory.
• Value being part of a team to deliver exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

• Carry out the analysis of samples and report results in a timely manner.
• Maintain records for sample analysis and reporting of results.
• Ensure departmental safety and log incidents.

Job description

Overview

As a laboratory analyst in the Organics team, you will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of clean and wastewater samples on accredited methodologies, handling the latest state-of-the-art analytical equipment such as LC-MS/MS and IC. Our labs are a key part of the business, which allows us to monitor that our water is safe and clean and that our waste product is treated correctly.

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Analyst (Chemistry)

• Timely carry out the analysis of samples & reporting of test results within required timeframes by laboratory procedures & quality management systems.
• Maintain full records for sample analysis & the reporting of test results.
• Proactively improve skills & knowledge required to ensure that the analysis of samples & reporting of test results is carried out to the right quality & technical standards. Participate in the Laboratory Progression Scheme and obtain ‘Competent Analyst’ status for analytical methodologies routinely conducted within 3 years of the start date.
• Provide accurate, timely & appropriate information in response to customer enquiries. Demonstrate an appreciation of customer requirements, the importance of the data that is generated and the implications of actions.
• Ensure departmental safety, log incidents and alike, and proactively encourage safe working to ensure your safety and that of colleagues & the environment.
• Support laboratory and company-wide initiatives. For example, continuous improvement, Hear for You Action planning, environmental working group, and health and safety funding strategy.

Working hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Base Location: Spencer House, Reading RG2 0JN.

What you should bring to the role

The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role are:

• Have previous experience working in a laboratory, or be a holder of a related Science degree or have an A-Level in a science-related subject.
• Follow strict instructions and guidelines to produce, record, maintain and verify data within a highly regulated UKAS-accredited Laboratory.
• Have our customers at the heart of everything you do and value being part of a team to deliver exceptional customer service.

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:

• Be comfortable carrying out repetitive work and have a real passion for working in a laboratory.
• Constantly looking for ways to improve both yourself and processes, and comfortable putting your ideas forward.
• Value being part of a team to deliver excellent customer service.
• Possess a sense of drive and determination to learn new job responsibilities. Be willing to learn, grow and develop in the role within our progression schemes.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive starting salary of £28,830 per annum
• Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you 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

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.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working 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? 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.