The Inorganic Chemistry team produces close to half the results generated at the Thames Water Laboratory each year. The team analysed nearly 30 different methods, purposes of which encompass the regulatory and statutory analysis of potable drinking water, trade effluents, soils & sludges, and wastewaters from treatment works. The Inorganic Chemistry Technical Specialist position has been created to deliver key team projects such as validating new equipment, this will help maintain capability and ensure there is robustness throughout the future growth of the team.
What you'll be doing as a Laboratory Technical Specialist
- Delivering Improvement projects to meet the requirements of ISO17025. This would be a long-term programme to improve existing methods and also the set-up, development and validation of new equipment.
- Supporting Team leaders and the Technical Manager in managing the available resources to ensure the team can continue to meet the requirements of our regulators, customers & UKAS.
- Troubleshooting existing methods and/or equipment, ensuring maintenance programmes are fit for purpose, and identifying training needs.
- Investigate analytical issues, and identify root causes and appropriate preventative actions to mitigate or remove the likelihood of reoccurrence.
- Help to build a positive team culture and assist with mentoring analysts through a progression scheme. Role model adherence to Quality Management systems, Health & Safety systems, and take part in departmental/interdepartmental meetings.
The base location for the role is Reading, Spencer House.
What you should bring to the role
- A solid understanding of laboratory quality systems and interpretation and management of analytical data. Knowledge of ISO17025 is essential. Knowledge of additional requirements of DTWS and MCERTs preferred.
- Hands-on background with Inorganic Chemistry methods, and laboratory instrumentation. Demonstrate competence and ability to develop new methods, troubleshoot and implement changes to positively impact efficiency and performance.
- Collaborative approach, good communication, experience in leading small teams. Role model for analysts to provide advice and support to the wider team.
What's in it for you?
- Salary range £36,240-£42,000 per annum depending on skills and experience.
- Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 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.