Laboratory Assistant

What you’ll be doing as a Laboratory Assistant:

• Supporting the daily operation of the laboratory, including the receipt and processing of samples and consumables.
• Managing deliveries through the goods-in area and distributing samples to the correct analytical teams.
• Checking samples on arrival, identifying any issues, and escalating where needed.
• Preparing and issuing bottles for sampling and keeping laboratory records up to date.
• Disposing of sample contents after analysis, including washing and recycling bottles.
• Responding to internal queries and providing a helpful service to colleagues.
• Supporting continuous improvement by sharing ideas and helping improve processes.

Base location: Spencer House, Reading

Working hours: Monday to Friday, working shifts between 08:00 and 21:00. Typical shifts include:

• 08:00–16:30
• 10:30–19:00
• 12:30–21:00

Please note this role includes manual handling, with some lifting of sample cases and consumables weighing up to 20kg.

What you should bring to the role:

• An interest in working in a laboratory or operational environment.
• Experience in a laboratory, customer service, warehouse or retail role, or a scientific qualification, is helpful but not essential.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.
• A reliable, organised approach with good attention to detail.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Office.
• The physical ability to carry out manual handling tasks.

What’s in it for you?

• This role will be paid £28,830 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.

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.

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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

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.