Laboratory Assistant

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

Job summary

A leading water and wastewater company in the UK is seeking a Laboratory Support role in Reading to assist daily operations. Responsibilities include processing samples, managing deliveries, and supporting a collaborative team. Ideal candidates have good communication skills and attention to detail. The role offers £28,830 per annum, 24 days holiday, and access to various health and welfare benefits. Full training will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a laboratory environment.

Benefits

£28,830 per annum

24 days holiday

Generous pension scheme

Health and welfare benefits

Qualifications

• Interest in working in a laboratory or operational environment.
• Experience in a lab, customer service, warehouse, or retail role.
• Reliable, organised approach with good attention to detail.
• Physical ability for manual handling tasks.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily operation of the laboratory, including the receipt and processing of samples.
• Manage deliveries and distribute samples to the correct teams.
• Check samples on arrival and identify issues.
• Prepare and issue bottles for sampling, keeping records up to date.
• Dispose of sample contents after analysis.

Skills

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Basic IT skills

Education

Scientific qualification (helpful but not essential)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the role

This is a practical, hands‑on role supporting the smooth day‑to‑day operation of our laboratories. You’ll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, helping ensure samples are processed efficiently and accurately so our water quality testing can be carried out to the highest standards. Full training is provided, making this a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience in a laboratory or operational environment.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the daily operation of the laboratory, including the receipt and processing of samples and consumables
• Managing deliveries through the goods‑in area and distributing samples to the correct analytical teams
• Checking samples on arrival, identifying any issues, and escalating where needed
• Preparing and issuing bottles for sampling and keeping laboratory records up to date
• Disposing of sample contents after analysis, including washing and recycling bottles
• Responding to internal queries and providing a helpful service to colleagues
• Supporting continuous improvement by sharing ideas and helping improve processes

Base location and hours

Spencer House, Reading

Monday to Friday, working shifts between 08:00 and 21:00. Typical shifts include: 08:00–16:30, 10:30–19:00, 12:30–21:00.

Manual handling note

This role includes manual handling, with some lifting of sample cases and consumables weighing up to 20kg.

What you should bring

• An interest in working in a laboratory or operational environment
• Experience in a laboratory, customer service, warehouse or retail role, or a scientific qualification is helpful but not essential
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team
• A reliable, organised approach with good attention to detail
• Basic IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office
• The physical ability to carry out manual handling tasks

What’s in it for you

• £28,830 per annum
• 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Generous pension scheme through AON
• Access to health, welfare and financial benefits: annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance

Who we are

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, dedicated to supplying clean water to over 16 million customers. We value passion, skills and the commitment to make a difference for our customers, communities and the planet.