Research Scientist/Engineer (Clean Water Networks)

The Research Scientist/Engineer role provides critical technical support on a range of field and office based research projects/activities that improve the performance and efficiency of our physical assets and provide data/information to support long-term asset management.
 
What you’ll be doing as a Research Scientist/Engineer (Clean Water Networks)
You’ll be supporting the development, briefing, and providing technical input to ensure we have the correct engineering solutions, outline designs, and technical requirements within the projects. You’ll also be part of a cohesive, sustainable engineering structure that leads Thames Water’s engineering requirements into AMP8 and beyond. Your workload will primarily be related to the water network, but with some support given to water treatment activities.

Key duties of the role:

• Innovation trial support: On-the-ground support for the setting up and operational monitoring of trials, with support from technicians &/or contractors as required.
• Analysis and interpretation: Capturing and analysing data and documenting research and trials.
• Safety, Health, and the Environment: Uphold the Health and Safety requirements of project work, while considering the impact on the environment.
• Project support and knowledge transfer: Support project managers in creating the information required from the Project Management Office (PMO).
• Horizon scanning: Creating and maintaining a horizon scan for technologies and strategies for the specified area of expertise.
• Business resilience: Identify areas for increasing the resilience of Thames Water’s infrastructure.
• Business performance: Identify solutions that will support reductions in leakage and in interruptions to water supplies.
• External bids: Active in gaining the skills, knowledge, and experience to deliver bid materials for the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge or similar.

Base location: Hybrid - Kempton Park Water Treatment Works, TW13 6XH. You will be expected to attend the office at least two days a week, but to be able to get to the office within about 30 minutes on any remote working days if the need arises.

Working pattern or hours: 36 hours, Monday-Friday

Necessary requirements for the role: 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 water industry or other utilities.
• Good practical skills relevant to the operation and maintenance of pilot plants.
• Excellent communication and technical reporting skills.
• Fully competent at using the appropriate company IT systems.
• An innovative mindset, with the ability to think creatively about problems and solutions.
• Curious and keen to learn in a fast-moving environment.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £40,000 to £50,000 per annum depending on experience.
• Annual Leave: 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays) 
• 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.