Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist

APEM; Letchworth; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Mental health first aiders

Income protection

Job summary

APEM is seeking a Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist for its laboratories in Stockport, Edinburgh, or Letchworth. You will analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to exacting standards, supervise junior staff, and contribute to fieldwork, data reporting, and tender preparation.

Applicants should have 5+ years' experience identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates, a strong understanding of aquatic ecology, and the ability to manage workloads while maintaining

Qualifications

• 5+ years identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates
• Excellent AQC record and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Strong understanding of aquatic ecology and the UK water industry
• Ability to manage workloads and maintain high-quality standards
• Understanding of other aquatic biological analyses (phytoplankton, zooplankton, diatoms)

Responsibilities

• Analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to high industry standards
• Supervise and support junior staff
• Develop expertise and potentially specialise in taxonomic groups
• Participate in fieldwork, data reporting, and preparation of tenders and technical documentation

Skills

Macroinvertebrate identification

Deadline-driven work

Taxonomic knowledge

Job description

About The Role

Are you passionate about freshwater ecology and the vital role aquatic invertebrates play in understanding environmental health? Do you have a sharp eye for detail, strong taxonomic skills, and the drive to deliver scientific excellence? APEM are looking for a Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist to join our expert team at one of our laboratories in Stockport, Edinburgh, or Letchworth. Our analysts are at the forefront of environmental monitoring—supporting projects for water companies, regulators, and consultancies, from drought permits and pollution assessments to invasive species monitoring.

Responsibilities

In this role, you’ll analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to APEM’s industry-leading standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in all analyses. You’ll contribute to high-profile environmental monitoring projects, supervise and support junior staff, and continue developing your own expertise—potentially specialising in specific taxonomic groups. You’ll also have opportunities to get involved in fieldwork, data reporting, and the preparation of tenders and technical documentation.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates from a range of UK habitats
• An excellent AQC record and ability to work to tight deadlines
• A strong understanding of aquatic ecology and the UK water industry
• The ability to manage workloads effectively and maintain high-quality standards
• An understanding of other types of aquatic biological analysis (e.g. phytoplankton, zooplankton, diatoms)

What Helps You Stand Out

• Experience identifying macroinvertebrates to mixed taxon/species level
• Specialist knowledge in specific macroinvertebrate groups (e.g. damselflies, dragonflies, INNS species)
• Experience in live bankside analysis or training junior staff
• Understanding of Water Framework Directive methodologies
• Experience contributing to business cases or tenders

Benefits

We offer private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. Superb flexible working options help you balance work with your life.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team and are open to supporting your development even if you can’t tick every box on the job description. We can adapt roles to reflect individual skills.