Microbiology Technician

South East Water; Farnborough; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension Scheme

Holiday entitlement (5 weeks)

Cycle to work

Health cash plan

Life assurance

Job summary

South East Water in the UK is seeking a Microbiology Analyst to perform and guide complex microbiological analyses, detecting faecal indicator bacteria and protozoa to ensure safe, clean water for customers and partners.

You will work 37 hours with twilight shifts (16:00–02:00) 15% allowance, operate and maintain laboratory equipment and LIMS, document daily logs, and support both the microbiology and Cryptosporidium sections, contributing to a culture of continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Qualified to A-level or an equivalent standard or someone with relevant experience.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and robust laboratory practice.
• A desire to learn and develop professionally.

Responsibilities

• Operate instrumentation in accordance with the Management System.
• Maintain preparatory equipment and logs.
• Enter data into the Laboratory Information Management System accurately and on time.
• Report quality issues to senior staff promptly.
• Assist with reagents preparation and quality controls.
• Ensure good laboratory practice and housekeeping.

Skills

A-level or equivalent

Numeracy

Literacy

Computer literacy

Education

A-level or equivalent

Tools

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.

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.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience (Essential)

• Qualified to A-level or an equivalent standard or someone with relevant experience.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and skills to engage in robust laboratory practice.
• A desire to learn and put into practice what you’ve learnt.
• Keen to take responsibility for personal and career development to progress to the next level.

Skills / Qualifications / Experience (Desirable)

• 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.

Other Information

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.

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

£25,948.87 p.a.

Equality and Inclusion

We know the communities we serve are diverse.

We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity.

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

Legal and Background Checks

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.

About the Company

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.

South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team.

Company Culture

Be you, belong and valued.

Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.

Additional Values

• 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.