Laboratory Analyst

idibu; Reading; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary from £28,830 per annum

Generous Pension Scheme

Health & wellbeing benefits

Annual Leave from 24 up to 28 days

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a Metals Team Laboratory Analyst to support soil and sludge preparation and analysis within the Thames Water labs in Reading. You will handle physical sample prep, progress to analytical duties, and report results in line with laboratory procedures and quality standards.

The role offers a 38-hour week (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm) in Spencer House, Reading, with a structured progression path and benefits including a strong pension and health-related perks.

Qualifications

• Minimum of A-level education with science experience; science degree is advantageous.
• Experience in routine sample testing or laboratory environments is beneficial but not essential.
• Value teamwork to deliver accurate customer service.
• Role involves physical handling of soils and sludge samples; requires physical capability.
• Comfort working to protocols and methodologies within QMS.
• Drive to learn and develop within progression schemes.

Responsibilities

• Primarily dry and grind customer soil and sludge samples.
• Prepare samples for analysis on instrumentation as you develop.
• Carry out analysis of Metals samples and report results within required timeframes.
• Improve skills and progress to Competent Analyst status within 3 years.
• Maintain accurate records and respond to customer enquiries.
• Support safety, QA, and company initiatives.

Skills

Laboratory skills

Sample handling

Quality systems

Safety consciousness

Education

A-level science background

Job description

The Metals team within the Thames Water 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. You will play a key role in the soil and sludge preparation and analysis as part of this team.

What you’ll be doing as a Metals Team Laboratory Analyst

• The primary focus of the role will be the physical drying & grinding of customer soil & sludge samples.
• As you develop you will further learn to prepare customer samples ready for analysis upon instrumentation. Further progression will then involve carrying out the analysis of Metals samples & reporting of test results within required timeframes by laboratory procedures, technical standards & quality management systems.
• Proactively improve skills & knowledge. 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 implication 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 Metals team, laboratory and companywide initiatives including Health and safety
• Maintain full records of customer samples. Ensure records of additional daily tasks are maintained to the high standards set within our QMS & technical procedures.

Working hours: 5-day pattern covering Monday to Saturday 9 am to 5 pm, 38 hours per week (Note Saturday will start when training is completed). This role is not suitable for home working.

Base Location: Spencer House, Reading.

What you should bring to the role

• Have a minimum of an A-level education with science experience, though a science degree is advantageous.
• Experience working in a routine sample testing or Laboratory environment would be beneficial but not essential.
• Value being part of a team to deliver perfect customer service.
• This role will require some physicality and repetitive physical effort in preparing & handling customer soils and sludge samples; any prospective candidate should be capable of this.
• You should feel comfortable working to set protocols and methodologies within our QMS.
• Possess a sense of drive and determination to learn new job responsibilities. Be willing to learn, grow and develop in the role as described & within our laboratory progression schemes.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary from £28,830 per annum with a clear progression scheme.
• 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 (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.

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.