Research Scientist/Engineer

idibu; England; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company in the UK is seeking a Research Scientist or Engineer to work on innovative projects related to water and waste networks. This role offers hybrid working in Reading and involves leading research activities, collaborating with various stakeholders, and applying practical engineering skills. The salary ranges from £41,000 to £51,000, with additional benefits including 26 days holiday and a pension scheme. Candidates must hold a valid UK driving licence.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days holiday per year

Performance-related pay plan

Generous Pension Scheme through AON

Access to health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Must have a valid UK driving licence for occasional travel to other sites.
• Evaluate data and produce conclusions and recommendations for business strategy.
• Develop working relationships with internal clients and research organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead research project activities and ensure successful completion.
• Produce and peer review high-quality technical output documents.
• Participate in and present research outputs in meetings.

Skills

Good practical skills relevant to the operation and maintenance of test facilities and field trials

Relevant technical experience, such as in the water industry

Very good communication and technical reporting skills

Competence in using company IT systems and office software

Education

Graduate in science, engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline

Job description

Here’s a unique opportunity! We’re seeking a Research Scientist or engineer to lend their expertise to the Ofwat Innovation Funded projects on No‑Dig Leak Repair and Pipebots for rising mains. This role calls for a versatile engineer or scientist who’s ready to delve into water and waste network innovation, foster cross‑company collaboration, and enhance utility communications. Your projects will involve robotics building and testing as part of a multi‑skilled approach to innovative engineering.

What you’ll be doing as a Research Scientist/Engineer

• Lead research project activities and make significant technical contributions to others. Design, organise, implement and monitor research activities to ensure their smooth operation and successful completion.
• Evaluate data and information to produce sound results, conclusions and recommendations for business strategy. Produce and peer review high‑quality technical output documents relating to the research for Innovation’s internal use, business managers and external communication.
• Develop working relationships with internal clients, external contractors, and research organisations by participating in and presenting research outputs in internal and external meetings with customers and stakeholders to build awareness of Innovation activities and outputs.

Base location: Hybrid – Reading (STW) – RG2 0RP

Working pattern or hours: 36 hours, Mon‑Fri

Necessary requirements for the role: Must have a valid UK driving licence as there will be occasional travel to other sites across the Thames Water patch.

What you should bring to the role

• Graduate in science, engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Good practical skills relevant to the operation and maintenance of test facilities and field trials.
• Relevant technical experience, such as in the water industry.
• Very good communication and technical reporting skills.
• Fully competent at using the appropriate company IT systems and office software.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £41,000 to £51,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to a range of benefits covering health and wellbeing, finances, and more – including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle‑to‑Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

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.

Learn more about our purpose and values

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 adjustments—whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else—just let us know.

Disclaimer

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.