Microbiology Analyst

South East Water Limited; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme

5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays

Flexible annual leave policy

Paid volunteering days

Cycle to work scheme

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing related benefits

Job summary

South East Water Limited is seeking an experienced Microbiology Analyst to perform complex microbiological analyses and guide data interpretation of faecal indicator bacteria and protozoa. The role operates within our Laboratory Management System and supports Microbiology and Cryptosporidium sections.

The position runs a 28-hour week on a 4 days on/4 days off twilight shift (17:00–02:00) with a 1-hour break and a 15% allowance.

Qualifications

• Relevant academic qualification or scientific subject at NVQ level 3 equivalent or above.
• Willing to work towards full membership of a professional body.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and laboratory skills to engage in robust analytical laboratory practice.
• It will be a bonus if you have: Previous knowledge and/or experience of good laboratory practice.
• Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that instrumentation is operated and analysis performed in line with the Laboratory Management system.
• Assist with the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Analyse and interpret data and complete all laboratory paperwork.
• Document information by maintaining daily logs and equipment.
• Ensure data is accurately entered into the Laboratory Information Management System within set timeframes.
• Ensure that the sample stability and turnaround for the given analysis is met.
• Assist to prepare standards, reagents and Quality Control Samples in accordance with company internal procedures.
• Work towards being a competent person according to Regulation 16(2)(d)(i) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 216 (as amended) and to actively pursue Continued Professional Development.

Skills

Microbiology

Data analysis

Planning skills

Laboratory skills

Education

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Summary

Are you an experienced microbiologist with exceptional planning skills? We’re looking for a focused, adaptable Microbiology Analyst to help deliver safe, clean, wholesome water to our customers and commercial partners. In this crucial, fast-paced role, you’ll perform and guide complex microbiological analysis, interpreting vital data to detect faecal indicator bacteria and protozoa. Working within our market-leading facilities, you’ll operate cutting-edge methods under our Laboratory Management System, maintain key equipment, and support both our Microbiology and Cryptosporidium sections. We process samples 365 days a year, so we value high quality standards, drive, and fresh ideas to fuel our culture of continuous improvement. We aim to be the water company people trust and love working for, offering a vibrant, friendly environment where your dedication truly matters. The working schedule for this role is 4 days on, 4 days off, working 28 hours a week and has a working window from 17:00pm to 02:00am with a 1 hour break. Due to the role being twilight hours, it comes with a 15% allowance.

Main responsibilities

• Ensure that instrumentation is operated and analysis performed in line with the Laboratory Management system.
• Assist with the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Analyse and interpret data and complete all laboratory paperwork.
• Document information by maintaining daily logs and equipment.
• Ensure data is accurately entered into the Laboratory Information Management System within set timeframes.
• Ensure that the sample stability and turnaround for the given analysis is met.
• Assist to prepare standards, reagents and Quality Control Samples in accordance with company internal procedures.
• Work towards being a competent person according to Regulation 16(2)(d)(i) of the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 216 (as amended) and to actively pursue Continued Professional Development.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience

• Relevant academic qualification or scientific subject at NVQ level 3 equivalent or above.
• Willing to work towards full membership of a professional body.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and laboratory skills to engage in robust analytical laboratory practice.
• It will be a bonus if you have:
• Previous knowledge and/or experience of good laboratory practice.
• Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities.

Benefits package

• Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
• 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
• Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
• Paid volunteering days.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Health cash plan.
• Life assurance.
• Wellbeing related benefits.

Compensation package

£28,028.00 pro-rata, plus a 15% allowance.

It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.

Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.

We supply top-quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England. Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day. It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards. We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future. Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

Be you, belong and valued.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

We know the communities we serve are diverse.

We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity.

That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity.

You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.

• Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
• We’ll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
• A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
• Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.