Research Engineer/Scientist

Now is the perfect time to join us in shaping the future of water! Are you a research engineer or scientist passionate about tackling climate challenges through nationally recognised projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support Net-Zero goals? Are you keen to contribute to Ofwat Innovation Fund projects focusing on wastewater solutions? If your answer is yes, keep reading! This is your chance to become part of a dynamic team that values creativity and innovation and to make a significant impact in Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I) at Thames Water.

What you will be doing as a Research Engineer/Scientist

• First and foremost, Research, Development and Innovation.
• Providing an innovative outlook and a natural curiosity for wastewater treatment technologies and solutions.
• Scanning the horizon for new technologies or strategies for solving some of the most significant challenges in the water sector.
• Getting Research, Development, and Innovation projects off the ground while making significant technical contributions to others.
• Designing, planning, implementing, and monitoring activities to ensure smooth operation and high-quality outputs.
• Analysing data (preferably using Python, MATLAB or similar) and logging information to produce robust results, conclusions, and recommendations for business strategy and beyond.
• Writing, structuring and reviewing high-quality technical reports for communication with internal and external stakeholders.
• Participating in and presenting project outputs at internal and external meetings.
• Developing excellent working relationships with internal clients, external contractors/suppliers, and research organisations.
• Promote research, development, and innovation to customers and stakeholders to make our projects visible.

This Hybrid role is based at Reading Sewage Treatment Works. However, depending on project requirements, the successful candidate should attend the office and other Thames Water sites. (Pool vehicles available for this)

36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

Due to the nature of this role, you must have a valid UK driving licence.

What you should bring to the role

• Hold a degree in science or engineering or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
• Background in industry experience in a related discipline.
• Have relevant technical knowledge of the industry, such as utilities.
• Good practical skills relevant to the operation and maintenance of pilot plants.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary between £40,000 to £50,000 per annum.
• 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• 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

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.

The 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 a 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. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support you.

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.