Laboratory Analyst

Initially, as a Metals team laboratory analyst, you will be responsible for the preparation and analysis of clean and wastewater samples on accredited methodologies, before progressing to handling the latest state-of-the-art analytical equipment & bespoke analysers such as ICPOES & ICPMS. The Metals team within the Thames Water labs are a key part of the business which allows us to monitor that our water is safe and clean and that our waste product is treated correctly.

What you’ll be doing as a Metals Team Laboratory Analyst

• Ensure departmental safety, log incidents and alike and proactively encourage safe working to ensure your safety and that of colleagues & the environment.
• Timely carry out the analysis of Metals samples & reporting of test results within required timeframes by laboratory procedures, technical standards & quality management systems.
• Maintain instrumentation and prepare samples to run on the various analysers within the department to enable analysis across the range of Metals tests. Fit in with current Metals team plans to enable cover across all instrumentations and Metals testing areas.
• Maintain full records for sample analysis & the reporting of test results and write reports where needed for team leader and above. Ensure records of daily tasks are maintained to the high standards set within our QMS & technical procedures.
• Proactively improve skills & knowledge. Participate in the Laboratory Progression Scheme and obtain ‘Competent Analyst’ status for analytical methodologies routinely conducted within 3 years of the start date.
• Provide accurate, timely & appropriate information in response to customer enquiries. Demonstrate an appreciation of customer requirements, the importance of the data that is generated and the implication of actions.
• Support Metals team, laboratory and companywide initiatives. For example, continuous improvement, Hear for You Action planning, environmental working group, and health and safety funding strategy.

Working hours:  Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm, 38 hours per week.

Base Location: Spenser House, Reading.

What you should bring to the role

• Have a minimum of an A-level education with science experience, though a science degree is advantageous.
• Experience working in a routine sample testing or Laboratory environment would be beneficial.
• Value being part of a team to deliver perfect customer service.
• Feel comfortable working within all Metals areas and have felt comfortable working to set protocols and methodologies within our QMS.
• Possess a sense of drive and determination to learn new job responsibilities. Be willing to learn, grow and develop in the role within our progression schemes.

What’s in it for you?

• Salary from £27,722 per annum with a clear progression scheme.
• Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)  
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.

Who are we?

At Thames Water, our purpose is crystal clear - to deliver life’s essential service so our customers, communities and planet can thrive.
Water is life’s great leveller. Every living thing needs it, every single day. From people to plants, birds to bees, farms to factories, we all need it to thrive, and we’re committed to taking care of it for us all.

But keeping water flowing is becoming harder. From scorching summers to wetter winters, extreme weather affects everything from our pipes to our local rivers. We need to keep millions more kettles boiling, public services operating, washing machines spinning, showers running and more, so every drop is more precious than ever. Are you ready to play your part?

Working at Thames Water

At Thames Water, we recognise that people are at the heart of our business. To help us succeed in providing life's essential service, we need a range of skills and capabilities, representative of society throughout our business.

We seek to attract and retain a cultural mix of people who can offer different but complementary attitudes, values, talents, and knowledge. We understand the importance of appreciating and harnessing the unique skills, experiences, backgrounds, and differences that each individual brings.

Our over-arching diversity and inclusion aim is to ensure Thames Water is a diverse and inclusive great place to work. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.

Find out more about working at Thames Water.

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, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.