Laboratory Analyst - Metals

We currently have an excellent opportunity to join our dedicated Metals team and contribute to the essential work of analysing clean and wastewater samples. You'll help ensure public health and environmental safety through accurate, timely, and high-quality laboratory testing, while developing your skills with cutting-edge analytical technologies.

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

As a Laboratory Analyst in the Metals team, you’ll begin by preparing and analysing clean and wastewater samples using accredited methods. Over time, you’ll progress to operating advanced analytical instruments such as ICP-OES and ICP-MS. This team plays a vital role in ensuring our water is safe and our wastewater is properly treated.

• 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 the 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.

Location: Spencer House, Reading, RG2 0JN

Working Hours: Core hours are 10:00-16:00 and there is flexibility outside of this.

What you should bring to the role

• Have a minimum of an A-level education with experience in science; a science degree is advantageous.
• Experience in routine sample testing or working in a laboratory environment would be beneficial.
• Value being part of a team and being committed to delivering excellent customer service.
• Feel comfortable working across all Metals areas and following established protocols and methodologies within our Quality Management System (QMS).
• Demonstrate drive and determination to learn new responsibilities, with a willingness to grow and develop within our progression schemes.

What’s in it for you?

• Starting salary of £29,984 per annum.
• 24 days holiday per year, increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan up to 10% of salary.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you 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.