Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist

Are you passionate about freshwater ecology and the vital role aquatic invertebrates play in understanding environmental health? Do you have a sharp eye for detail, strong taxonomic skills, and the drive to deliver scientific excellence?

APEM are looking for a Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist to join our expert team at one of our laboratories in Stockport, Edinburgh, or Letchworth. Our analysts are at the forefront of environmental monitoring—supporting projects for water companies, regulators, and consultancies, from drought permits and pollution assessments to invasive species monitoring.

In this role, you’ll analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to APEM’s industry-leading standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in all analyses. You’ll contribute to high-profile environmental monitoring projects, supervise and support junior staff, and continue developing your own expertise—potentially specialising in specific taxonomic groups. You’ll also have opportunities to get involved in fieldwork, data reporting, and the preparation of tenders and technical documentation.

To be successful in this role, you’ll need:

• At least 5 years’ experience identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates from a range of UK habitats
• An excellent AQC record and ability to work to tight deadlines
• A strong understanding of aquatic ecology and the UK water industry
• The ability to manage workloads effectively and maintain high-quality standards
• An understanding of other types of aquatic biological analysis (e.g. phytoplankton, zooplankton, diatoms)

What helps you stand out:

• Experience identifying macroinvertebrates to mixed taxon/species level
• Specialist knowledge in specific macroinvertebrate groups (e.g. damselflies, dragonflies, INNS species)
• Experience in live bankside analysis or training junior staff
• Understanding of Water Framework Directive methodologies
• Experience contributing to business cases or tenders

At APEM, our people are our greatest asset. We value integrity, quality, collaboration, and forward thinking, and we’re committed to providing an inclusive, flexible workplace where everyone belongs. Whether you’re deepening your taxonomic expertise or mentoring the next generation of freshwater scientists, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and make a difference.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, many of our employees have worked on projects that have been of personal interest to them. We match this with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, from private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, then we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development. That may be working part time or supporting you to gain experience in a specific area – we are a growing company and are able to adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, then please apply immediately on our website. All we need some basic information and your CV, we will review all applications quickly and will respond to all applications.

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