Scientist - Inorganic Chemistry - 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Affinity Water; Borough of Runnymede; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility company is seeking a Scientist for a 12-month Fixed Term Contract. You will play a crucial role in the Scientific Services team, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational excellence in a fast-paced laboratory environment. The ideal candidate holds a relevant science degree, possesses strong attention to detail, and can thrive under pressure. Opportunities for professional development and mentorship will be provided, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salary and annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary dependent on skills and experience

Learning and development opportunities

Annual bonus scheme

Generous annual leave

‘Celebration Day’ for personal occasions

Double match pension scheme

Enhanced family benefits

Wellbeing Centre access

Volunteer days

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Recognised degree in a relevant science-based subject, preferably chemistry or related chemical sciences.
• Ability to follow strict procedures without deviation.
• Flexibility to manage workload fluctuations.

Responsibilities

• Ensure routine and non-routine samples are analysed per standards and timelines.
• Comply with quality control procedures and report accurately.
• Mentor junior colleagues in areas of expertise.

Skills

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Communication skills

Computer literacy

Education

Degree in relevant science-based subject

Job description

Affinity Water are looking for a Scientist to join us on a 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Reporting to the Principal Scientist-Chemistry you will be an integral part of the Scientific Services-Inorganic Chemistry team that ensures delivery of operational excellence whilst maintaining continual compliance with the ISO17025 and Drinking Water Testing Specifications (DWTS) standards. We are looking for an enthusiastic, confident, and motivated individual to work within a fast paced, high-throughput UKAS accredited laboratory.

Principal accountabilities

• Ensuring routine and non-routine samples are analysed in accordance with documented methods and to UKAS (DWTS) requirements, within appropriate timescales.

• Complying with Internal Quality Control procedures and reporting in the appropriate manner.

• Analysis of Proficiency Testing (PT) Scheme samples and reporting results in a timely manner.

• Initiating appropriate action when samples fail to meet the required water quality standards or other agreed notification standards.

• Basic use of the laboratory information management system (LIMS) to register samples, produce worksheets and enter analytical results in a timely manner.

• Participation in internal and external training courses identified as appropriate to your continued development.

• Maintaining up to date and accurate CPD records.

• Mentoring junior colleagues in areas of specialist expertise.

• Produce informative and accurate reports, as requested by line manager, on specific areas of responsibility.

• Explore ways to improve efficiencies and reduce costs through the implementation of new processes and technologies.

What you need

• You will have a recognised degree in a relevant science-based subject, preferably chemistry or related to chemical sciences.

• You are an individual with attention to detail that enjoys working in a routine environment.

• You can follow strict procedures time after time without deviation.

• You can work well under pressure and have a common-sense approach to problem solving.

• You will have a reasonable level of computer literacy and good communication skills.

• You have flexibility to respond to accommodating and prioritising workload fluctuations

Benefits:

• Competitive salary dependant on skills and experience

• Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and a range of formal courses and open learning resources.

• Entry into the company annual bonus scheme

• Annual leave from 23-27 rising with length of service, and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days

• A ‘Celebration Day’ in addition to public holidays that people can use to celebrate a religious festival or other occasion that is important to them

• A generous 'double match pension scheme' that doubles the contributions you make (company contribution capped at 12%)

• We offer a range of family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave and up to 5 full or 10 half days of paid Carers Leave

• Menopause policy and Reasonable Adjustment policy to help everyone perform at their best

• Access to our Wellbeing Centre with support for looking after your physical and mental health

• Discounts at a Range of Retail Outlets and on Dental and Medical Insurance through our Tap4Perks scheme

• Up to 4 Affinity days a year to volunteer in the community

• Life Assurance

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to offering interviews to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria and opt in on the application form. Ask the Talent Acquisition lead for the full job description to see all the criteria. If we have a very high volume of applicants and we’re not able to offer interviews to all, we’ll take a fair and proportionate number of disabled candidates through.

What is a disability?

A disability is a long-term physical or mental health condition that has a substantial impact on someone’s day-to-day activities.

What if I need adjustments during the recruitment process?

Let the Talent Acquisition lead mentioned on the job advert know – they’ll be able to help you.

Affinity Water recognises the benefits of greater diversity in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to building a more inclusive culture where every member of our workforce can thrive.

You can find out what it’s like to work at Affinity Water through our career site https://www.affinitywatercareers.co.uk/ where our colleagues share their career development stories and you can get a feel for our company culture.