This is a great opportunity to put your skills into action in our laboratories, testing over 2 million samples each year and helping to provide high-quality drinking water across the Thames Water region. Our labs play a critical role in making sure drinking water is safe and clean and that wastewater is treated correctly. We analyse samples from customer homes, abstraction points, treatment sites, and throughout the supply network.

Our laboratories have won awards for health and safety, and our teams are proud of the consistently high standards they work to every day.

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Analyst

On a day-to-day basis, you will analyse samples within a defined area to meet United Kingdom Accreditation Service, Environment Agency, Drinking Water Inspectorate, and relevant Health and Safety Executive standards.

  • Producing, recording, maintaining, and verifying data within a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
  • Carrying out a range of tests, including coliforms, enterococci, clostridia, chlorophyll, identification of algae and organisms in sewage sludge, taste and odour analysis, flow cytometry, and MALDI TOF. This will involve using a mix of automated and manual laboratory techniques.
  • Carrying out basic maintenance of laboratory equipment.
  • Working with quality management systems to ISO 17025 and automated data handling systems.

Base location: Reading, Spenser House

Working hours: 38 hours per week. This role operates on a 6-week shift pattern, with 4 weeks on day shifts (8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5 pm) and 2 weeks on late shifts (2 pm to 10 pm). The role includes 1 in 5 weekend working and participation in a call-out rota approximately 1 week in 20, which attracts additional payment.

What you should bring to the role

  • A-Level qualifications in a science or science-related subject, or a degree, with Biology preferred.
  • Laboratory experience is advantageous but not essential.
  • Experience and/or a degree in Biology is highly desirable.
  • Water testing or microbiology experience would be particularly advantageous, but full training will be provided.
  • A genuine interest in laboratory work and the ability to carry out repetitive tasks accurately.
  • A team-focused mindset with customers at the heart of everything you do.

What’s in it for you?

  • This role will be paid £32,982 per annum.
  • 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
  • Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
  • Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself and your family’s health and wellbeing, 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

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.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

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 fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, 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.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, 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.

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.