Scientist - Chemist

Scottish Water; London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water management company in Edinburgh seeks a Scientist to ensure high-quality drinking water and protect the environment. Responsibilities include chemical analysis, managing testing priorities, and complying with safety standards. Ideal candidates will have a chemistry-related qualification and experience in accredited labs. This full-time role offers competitive pay and extensive benefits, including flexible working and a generous holiday allowance.

Benefits

38 days of holiday annually

Pension and life assurance

Annual bonus

Access to discounts

Qualifications

• Understanding of ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited lab standards preferred.
• Ability to apply chemical analysis methods effectively.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe workplace.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize work within the testing team.
• Manage routine maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
• Apply chemical analysis methods to ensure water quality.

Skills

Chemical testing and analysis

Customer service

Process improvement

Education

HND or degree in chemistry-related discipline

Job description

Time left to apply: End Date: September 4, 2025 (8 days left to apply)

Job requisition id: R10692

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.

Most people don’t think too much about how clean water reaches their taps or what happens to their wastewater. But Scottish Water does. It’s all we think about.

Want to help? As a Scientist within our busy Inorganics Wing in Edinburgh, you’ll be on the front lines of ensuring Scotland’s drinking water is high quality and great tasting, while also protecting our environment by checking wastewater.

What you’ll do

Our team of 320 samplers, scientists, and support staff analyze tests every minute. You’ll prioritize work within your team and manage routine maintenance of instrumentation to prevent unplanned downtime.

Day-to-day, you’ll apply methods including Chemical Oxygen Demand, Biochemical Oxygen Demand, and Nutrient analysis to help ensure the quality of Scotland’s water and environment. You’ll also help translate results for customers, working to ISO 17025 standards.

Health and safety are a big focus: our goal is 100% compliance with strict standards, many of which are legal requirements.

What you’ll need

You love science and have a good understanding of chemical testing and analysis, ideally backed by a HND or degree in a chemistry-related discipline. Maintaining a safe workplace is your priority.

Experience in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited lab is preferred, or at least familiarity with these standards.

Delivering excellent customer service and continuous process improvement are important to you.

Looking out for you

This is a full-time role (35 hours/week) with some weekend work and standby requirements. You’ll enjoy 38 days of holiday annually, with options to buy more, and flexible working arrangements. Benefits include a pension, life assurance, an annual bonus, and access to SW Splash discounts.

The not-so-small print

This is a Grade 5 role, starting at £32,650, progressing to £38,610. The lab operates from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, including weekends and standby shifts.

Applications are accepted until midnight on Wednesday, 3rd September.

Offers are conditional, pending pre-employment screening such as references, criminal record, and license checks.

A few final things worth knowing…

If you don’t meet all criteria, apply anyway! We value learning and development. We accommodate disabilities, neurodiversity, and life challenges. Our employees are Scottish taxpayers, and new hires must move to Scotland within three months if not already residing here.

Data from applicants not active in the last 12 months will be automatically deleted.

Join us

Working at Scottish Water, you’ll make a real difference in communities across Scotland. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion, and creating a positive environment for our employees. If you’re passionate about delivering excellent customer service and inspiring trust, Scottish Water is a place to thrive.

Learn more about our vacancies here.