Laboratory Analyst

This is a great opportunity to put your skills into action in our labs. Testing over 2 million samples a year and providing the highest quality drinking water to the Thames Water region. Our labs are a key part of the business which allows us to monitor that our drinking water is safe and clean and that our waste product is treated correctly. Not only do we analyse samples from our customers’ homes but also from abstraction, through our sites and into supply.

Our Labs have won awards for health and safety and all of our teams are dedicated to meeting this exceptional standard.

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Analyst

On a day-to-day basis, you're responsible for analysing samples within a defined area to meet the United Kingdom Accreditation Service, Environment Agency and Drinking Water Inspectorate standards and relevant Health and Safety Executive standards.

• Producing, recording, maintaining, and verifying data within a UKAS accredited Laboratory.
• We carry out tests including looking for Coliforms, Enterococci, Clostridia, chlorophyll, identification of algae and organisms in sewage sludge, taste & odour, flow cytometry and MALDI TOF. This will involve running a variety of automated and manual Lab techniques.
• Carrying out basic maintenance of this equipment.
• Working with quality management systems to ISO 17025 and automated data handling.

The base location for the role is Reading, Spenser House.

Working hours: 38 hours per week. This role involves a shift pattern of 4 weeks of day shifts (8 am to 4 pm or 9 am to 5 pm), followed by 2 weeks of late shifts (2 pm to 10 pm). Additionally, once every 5-6 weeks, you may be required to work weekends.

There will also be 2 weeks per year when you will be on call-out duty

What you should bring to the role

• Have a minimum of an A-Level in a science-related subject, preferably biology science.
• Knowledge of flow cytometry method would be advantageous.
• Background in microbiology will be beneficial.
• Be comfortable carrying out repetitive work and have a real passion for working in a laboratory.
• Have our customers at the heart of everything you do and value being part of a team to deliver exceptional customer service.

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 (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

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.