Senior Scientist - Business Improvement & Assurance

ZipRecruiter; Invergowrie; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Senior Scientist in Dundee, where you'll ensure Scotland's drinking water remains pure and safe. You'll support environmental initiatives, engage with stakeholders, and contribute to innovative field monitoring practices. Enjoy a full-time role with comprehensive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and generous holiday. Applications are open until May 21, 2025.

Benefits

38 days of holiday annually

Option to buy additional days

Discretionary days off for volunteering

Flexible working arrangements

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Qualifications

• Experience in ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited laboratory is desirable.
• Confident, full, clean driving license is essential.

Responsibilities

• Support setup and maintenance of the Environmental Sensor Network.
• Conduct field trials and engage with stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety policies.

Skills

Analytical Science

Field-Based Analytical Practices

Education

HND or Degree in Biology

HND or Degree in Chemistry

HND or Degree in Applied Chemical Sciences

Job description

Job Description

Most people don’t think too much about how clean water reaches their taps or what happens to their wastewater.

But Scottish Water does. In fact, it’s all we think about.

Want to help? As a Senior Scientist in our Business Improvement and Assurance team in Dundee, you’ll be on the front lines of ensuring Scotland’s drinking water remains dependably pure, while also safeguarding our rivers by ensuring the water we return to the environment is not harmful.

What you’ll be doing

As a Senior Scientist, you’ll support key initiatives for the Business Improvement and Assurance team, including the setup and maintenance of the Environmental Sensor Network (ESNET).

These sensors are installed at wastewater treatment sites across Scotland, providing real-time insights into site performance and compliance. You’ll play a critical role in supporting ESNET nationally, offering technical support and troubleshooting both on-site and remotely.

You’ll stay updated with the latest in field monitoring, testing new equipment in laboratories, and planning and delivering field trials, such as Scottish Water’s onsite monitoring of Nitrous Oxide (a greenhouse gas 300 times stronger than Carbon Dioxide) or rapid microbiology analysis. You’ll support quality assurance initiatives like setting up on-site chlorine and turbidity monitoring at water treatment works across Scotland. You’ll engage with stakeholders, including SEPA and DWQR, sharing technical updates, providing training, and presenting on these initiatives. You’ll be the go-to expert for teams and stakeholders, offering clear, practical advice and insights.

Your commitment to safety is paramount. You’ll adhere to Scottish Water’s Health and Safety policies, ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, and policies to protect yourself, colleagues, and customers.

Together, we’ll address environmental challenges and work towards our Beyond Net Zero ambition.

What you’ll need

A good understanding of analytical science, ideally supported by an HND or Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Applied Chemical Sciences, or a related scientific field.

Preferably, you have knowledge of field-based analytical practices related to water and wastewater testing. Maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is also essential.

Experience working in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited laboratory is desirable, or at least familiarity with these standards.

Since travel across Scotland is required, often to remote treatment sites, a confident, full, clean driving license is essential.

What you’ll get

We value work-life balance, so we provide comprehensive benefits. This is a full-time role (35 hours/week) with 38 days of holiday annually, including public holidays, with an option to buy five additional days. Discretionary days off for volunteering are also available.

We offer family-friendly policies on adoption, maternity, and parental leave. Flexible working arrangements are embraced. Additionally, we provide a pension scheme and life assurance for your future security.

The not-so-small print

This is a Grade 6 role. The starting salary is £33,560, with performance-based pay progression up to a maximum of £44,140.

Applications are accepted until midnight on 21st May 2025. Job offers are conditional, pending pre-employment screening, including references, criminal record checks, and license verification. These checks will be conducted after you accept an offer. We’ll guide you through the process.