Microbiology Technician

South East Water UK; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stakeholder pension scheme

5 weeks holiday + bank holidays

Flexible annual leave buy/sell

Volunteer days

Cycle to work

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

South East Water is looking for an experienced Microbiology Analyst to perform and guide complex analyses, interpreting vital data to detect faecal indicators and protozoa. The role involves operating advanced methods within our Laboratory Management System, maintaining equipment, and supporting microbiology activities across teams.

The position runs 37 hours with twilight shifts (16:00–02:00) on a rotating basis, with a 15% shift allowance.

Qualifications

• Experience in microbiological analysis and data interpretation.
• Ability to maintain daily logs and equipment records.
• Understanding of analytical quality control and health & safety in a lab environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate instrumentation in accordance with the Management System.
• Maintain preparatory equipment and daily logs/records.
• Enter data into LIMS within set timeframes and report quality issues.
• Prepare reagents and quality controls per internal procedures.
• Maintain good laboratory practice and housekeeping; participate in internal audits.
• Contribute to microbiology and cryptosporidium tasks; meet deadlines and SLAs.

Skills

Microbiology

Data interpretation

Documentation

Quality control

Flexible scheduling

Tools

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

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.

This role is full time 37 hours and has a working window from 16:00 to 02:00 (rotating between shifts of 16:00-00:00 and 18:00 to 02:00 with a 30 minute break). Due to the role being twilight hours, it comes with a 15% allowance.

Ready to make a real impact? Join us and take the next step in your career.

Main responsibilities

• Operate instrumentation in accordance with the Management System.
• Assist with the maintenance and operation of preparatory equipment.
• Help to document information by maintaining daily logs and equipment record books.
• Ensure data is accurately entered into the Laboratory Information Management System within set timeframes.
• Ensure to report and communicate with senior members of staff on any quality issues.
• Assist with the preparation of reagents and AQC’s in accordance with company internal procedures.
• Always maintain good laboratory practice and housekeeping.
• Participate in the auditing of internal practices to ensure compliance with the management system.
• Contribute to key tasks within the microbiology section.
• Achieve deadlines and service level agreements with consistent outputs.
• Demonstrate task prioritisation and show flexibility to help us meet demand.
• Plan and organise time systematically and demonstrate foresight to perform tasks successfully.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of analytical quality control.
• Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of Health, Safety and Environmental issues and adhere to the relevant requirements relating to microbiology and the Laboratory.
• Continue to develop knowledge and other laboratory skills as required for the work undertaken and for career development.

Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.

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.

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.

Expectations

• 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.

Compensation package

£25,948.87 p.a.