Technical Specialist

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 26-30 days

Generous pension

Health and wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Thames Water Laboratories in Reading is seeking a Technical Specialist to support analytical instrumentation and drive continuous improvement. You will develop and validate methods, investigate quality issues and ensure regulatory compliance, working with stakeholders to enhance service delivery.

With experience in GC-MS, GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS, you will contribute to method development and system improvements, while upholding health and safety standards and supporting lab colleagues.

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science or related field.
• Experience in analytical laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of ISO17025 and regulatory requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and organisational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support and optimise analytical instrumentation and laboratory systems.
• Develop, validate and implement analytical methods and processes.
• Investigate technical and quality issues and implement solutions.
• Monitor quality control data and ensure ISO17025 compliance.
• Support training and development of laboratory colleagues.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture in the laboratory.
• Work with stakeholders to improve laboratory performance and service delivery.
• Use GC-MS/GC-MS/MS/LC-MS/MS to deliver method development and analytical improvements.

Skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Organisational skills

Proactive approach

Education

Degree in Chemistry or Environmental Science

Tools

GC-MS

GC-MS/MS

LC-MS/MS

Job description

Job title Technical Specialist Ref 45974 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Spencer House - Reading - RG2 0JN Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary Competitive salary between £46,000 to £50,000 dependent on skills and experience. Job grade B Closing date 21/10/2026

Join our Laboratory Services team and play a key role in delivering high-quality analytical testing that protects public health and the environment. We're looking for a proactive Technical Specialist to support laboratory operations, drive continuous improvement and ensure the highest standards of quality and compliance.

What you'll be doing as a Technical Specialist

• Support and optimise analytical instrumentation and laboratory systems.
• Develop, validate and implement analytical methods and processes.
• Investigate technical and quality issues, identifying and implementing solutions.
• Monitor quality control data and ensure compliance with ISO17025, MCERTS and regulatory requirements.
• Support the training and development of laboratory colleagues.
• Promote a strong health and safety culture across the laboratory.
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to improve laboratory performance and service delivery.
• Using your experience in GC-MS, GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS to deliver method development, analytical system improvements and technology innovation.

Working Hours - 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday (standby/callout required)

Base Location - Spencer House, Reading, RG2 0JN

What you should bring to the role

• Degree in Chemistry, Environmental Science or a related scientific discipline.
• Experience working within an analytical laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, quality systems and method development.
• Understanding of ISO17025 and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong problem-solving, communication and organisational skills.
• A proactive approach and passion for continuous improvement.
• Experience in analysing Organic compounds in complex matrices.

What's in it for you?

• Competitive salary between £46,000 to £50,000 dependending on skills and experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family’s health and well-being, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

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. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

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 any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support .

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.