Laboratory Scientist - Microbiology

Uisce Éireann Irish Water; Limerick; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Uisce Éireann is seeking a Laboratory Scientist in Microbiology to join the Scientific and Technical Services team. The role involves performing sample preparation, analysis and reporting for Water and Wastewater samples, adhering to ISO17025 and EPA standards, and contributing to quality assurance.

You will participate in development, verification, and validation of new methods, work within rosters covering 8am–8pm, and support the lab during weekends/public holidays as required.

Qualifications

• Third Level qualification in a Science discipline relevant to their area of expertise.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience within their area of expertise—Microbiology, preferably in an ISO17025 testing laboratory or similar.
• Knowledge of ISO17025 accreditation process and requirements desirable.
• Experience of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Able to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions and ambiguity, generating effective and pragmatic solutions.

Responsibilities

• Assist with delivery of a high-quality service to UÉ and its customers, with processes complying with EPA, INAB, ISO17025 standards, regulatory requirements, and the management system.
• Responsible for the analysis of clean and waste samples for microbiological analyses in their area.
• Participate in the weekend and public holiday roster within the Microbiology laboratory when required, per approved rotas.
• Participate in the development, verification, and validation of new and existing methodologies for the analysis of waters, wastewaters and related samples in UÉ, as required.
• Responsible for participation in proficiency testing (PT) Schemes in their area.
• Drive cost efficiency and quality, challenging and developing solutions for improvements to existing practices and adopting industry best practice.
• Timely reporting, review, and authorisation of laboratory test results in their department, in compliance with the Quality System, ISO17025 and regulatory requirements, as required.
• Undertake and participate in risk assessments (H&S and operational) in their area, according to ISO17025, UÉ and QMS requirements, as required.
• Participate in internal audits according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.
• Undertake and participate in nonconforming work investigations according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.Perform equipment trouble shooting, maintenance and checks as trained and directed, ensuring the equipment is fit for purpose, in compliance with ISO 17025.

Skills

Microbiology knowledge

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Science degree

Tools

LIMS

Job description

We are Uisce Éireann. Every day, we are responsible for the delivery of secure, safe, and sustainable water services for the people of Ireland. As Ireland’s national regulated water utility, our vision is a sustainable Ireland where water is respected and protected, for the planet and all the lives it supports.

Our purpose at Uisce Éireann is to rise to the challenge of delivering transformative water services that enable communities to thrive. That means we are proud to take on the responsibility of protecting our water supply and passing on a safe and secure water system to a rapidly growing population and empowering Ireland’s social and economic growth.

We are passionate about empowering our people, enabling them to make a positive impact on communities across Ireland. We are guided by a shared vision and purpose, grounded in values that define who we are and shape how we work, where we deliver for customers and communities, we work better together, we do the right thing, we aim high, and we keep each other safe. Our behaviours define how we interact, communicate, and succeed together. These values and behaviours apply to each one of us, across every role, location, and level.

Our goal is to attract and develop skilled and talented people from diverse backgrounds, who bring a dynamic range of expertise and insights to our work. With a strong, values-driven workforce, we ensure Uisce Éireann can continue advancing Ireland’s water services and meeting the needs of the communities we serve for generations to come.

The Role:

The Scientific and Technical Services functional area is responsible for the national provision of operational support services to include sampling and laboratory analytics, ensuring that activities are performed in accordance with regulatory obligations to protect public health and the environment.

Reporting directly to the Technical Manager- Microbiology, the Laboratory Scientist- Microbiology is responsible for assisting with delivering a quality service to Uisce Éireann and its customers and complying with the requirements of the Quality management system and ISO17025 standard. This will be achieved by contributing to team performance and the efficient and effective use of resources. They will participate in the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, carrying out sample preparation, analysis and reporting duties for Water and Wastewater Samples for Uisce Éireann (UÉ) as required.

Please note the following working hours and duties apply to the operational phase of the Laboratory and Sampling service. There will be an initial development phase in which working hours of 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and duties relating to the development of the service will apply until the operational phase commences.

The role requires flexibility in terms of working hours as the role holder will be required to participate in standard hours working rosters to cover Laboratory operational hours of 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. There is also a service commitment to providing laboratory cover on weekends and Public Holidays. When required to perform weekend/public holiday work this will be infrequent as part of a defined rota and in addition to the standard working week. Rostered work performed outside 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday will be remunerated as a roster participation allowance.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with delivery of a high-quality service to UÉ and its customers, with processes complying with the requirements of the EPA, INAB, ISO17025 standards, regulatory requirements, and the management system.
• Responsible for the analysis of clean and waste samples for microbiological analyses in their area.
• Participate in the weekend and public holiday roster within the Microbiology laboratory when required, per approved rotas.
• Participate in the development, verification, and validation of new and existing methodologies for the analysis of waters, wastewaters and related samples in UÉ, as required.
• Responsible for participation in proficiency testing (PT) Schemes in their area.
• Drive cost efficiency and quality, challenging and developing solutions for improvements to existing practices and adopting industry best practice.
• Timely reporting, review, and authorisation of laboratory test results (including statements of conformity where applicable) in their department, in compliance with the Quality System, ISO17025 and regulatory requirements, as required.
• Undertake and participate in risk assessments (H&S and operational) in their area, according to ISO17025, UÉ and QMS requirements, as required.
• Participate in internal audits according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.
• Undertake and participate in nonconforming work investigations according to ISO17025 and QMS requirements, as required.Perform equipment trouble shooting, maintenance and checks as trained and directed, ensuring the equipment is fit for purpose, in compliance with ISO 17025.
• Preparation of standards and quality controls and monitoring of performance (for example, control charts, calibration curves) in their area, as required.
• Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with the Laboratory team and support UÉ HR policies and initiatives.
• Monitor and report KPIs for processes as assigned.
• Responsible for carrying out any other duties which the Technical Manager may reasonably request.
• Adhere to all HSQE plans, policies and procedures.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaboration with key internal stakeholders across the UÉ business
• Responsible for promoting and delivering health and safety commitments across UÉ and its supply chain, reinforcing positive behaviours and delivering health and safety objectives and requirements to the highest industry standards
• Support the delivery of the Uisce Éireann Transformation Programme, driving results required within the Directorate and supporting organisation-wide objectives
• Conducts duties and responsibilities in accordance with Uisce Éireann’s Information Security policies, standards, processes and controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of UÉ business information and delivery of critical services, in accordance with the NIS Directive and any other relevant cybersecurity regulation
• Other duties as required

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Third Level qualification in a Science discipline relevant to their area of expertise.
• Minimum of 3 years relevant experience within their area of expertise-Microbiology, preferably in an ISO17025 testing laboratory or similar.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current analytical best practices and procedures within their area of expertise- Microbiology. Knowledge of Cryptosporidium techniques desirable.
• Knowledge of ISO17025 accreditation process and requirements desirable.
• Experience of Laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS) and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Able to work to deadlines and adapt to changing conditions and ambiguity, generating effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and problems as they are presented
• Proven track record in identifying opportunities for process improvements and innovation
• Highly motivated individual, working to the highest professional and ethical standards and with proven ability to deliver results and communicate information to others.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to identify and analyse problems and potential improvements and propose and implement solutions
• Ability to develop effective partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders and ability to look for and listen to diverse perspectives
• Demonstrate the ability to fix safety issues quickly and look for improvements in line with business strategy

The closing date for receipt of applications for this vacancy is 31/08/2026.

Please note that applications submitted after this closing date will not be accepted.

Uisce Éireann is an equal opportunities employer.

We are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive place of work and have a robust strategy and framework called ibelong to enable this. We are an equal opportunity employer and through our recruitment process we welcome and encourage applications from interested and suitably qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, racial or ethnic origin, membership of the traveller community, religion or beliefs, family or civil status, sexual orientation/gender identity or disability.