Laboratory Assistant

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24 days holiday

Pension via AON

Health and wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a meticulous Laboratory Assistant based in Reading to join a regulated laboratory team. You will perform water sample analysis, record results precisely, and ensure timely reporting to maintain compliance and data integrity.

Training on specific protocols is provided, with Friday‑to‑Friday 38 hours work schedule and a strong emphasis on accuracy. You will contribute to safeguarding public health and the environment by delivering reliable test results and adhering to

Qualifications

• A scientific degree or experience working in a laboratory environment with sample analysis.
• Experience in a regulated laboratory environment is helpful.
• Training on specific protocols will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Carry out laboratory analysis of water samples and report results within required turnaround times.
• Follow laboratory procedures and quality management systems to ensure 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.

Skills

Lab analysis

Attention to detail

Quality procedures

Teamwork

Education

Scientific degree or lab experience

Tools

LCMS

GCMS

Job description

Based in Reading, this full‑time Laboratory Assistant position with Pertemps Thames Water carries a salary of £28,830 per annum. You will join a team focused on testing water samples, a function vital to safeguarding public health. Daily duties involve executing analysis, recording findings precisely, and delivering results within set deadlines. Adherence to established procedures and quality systems is essential to maintain compliance. You will also spot and report any irregularities that might compromise test validity, ensuring records remain thorough. This permanent role suits someone with meticulous attention to detail who thrives on routine but important scientific work. Prior experience in a regulated laboratory environment is helpful, though training on specific protocols is provided. 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.
• Base location: Reading, Spencer House.
• Working hours: 38 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

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. 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.