Development Analyst in Stoke-on-Trent

The Development Analyst role at Nijhuis Saur Industries’ Stoke-based Industrial O&M Solutions team focuses on delivering innovation within the Laboratory function, supporting day-to-day operations of the Water Science Laboratory through analytical testing, maintaining high laboratory standards, and contributing to projects using existing methods or pilot studies. The position involves developing new laboratory techniques, leading pilot-scale investigations across multiple water treatment technologies, creating SOPs, supporting accreditation of new methods, producing technical reports, liaising with customers and other NSI technical teams, and occasionally travelling to other UK sites.

Success in the role requires strong laboratory practice, experience with quality systems such as ISO 9001/17025, awareness of HSE requirements, excellent communication skills, and the ability to troubleshoot, innovate, and support both internal and external stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

• To develop and deliver innovation (including new product lines) within the Laboratory and Technical Development Team.
• To support the day to day running of the NSI Water Science Laboratory - perform analytical tests on samples received into the WSL using the standard methods set out in the Quality system following approved HSE protocol.
• To support a high standard of laboratory analysis in our field labs throughout the UK.
• To support projects associated with the Technical Development and Operations Teams either by using existing laboratory equipment and methods and/or by conducting pilot studies.
• Develop innovative laboratory methods to identify solutions for solving real‑world water treatment issues on our existing and prospective customer sites.
• Lead lab‑scale pilot, investigatory or consultancy projects across various water treatment technologies & processes, such as aerobic, anaerobic, membrane separation, centrifuge, DAF and many more.
• Following existing procedures and HSE protocol to carry out routine analysis within the laboratory in a safe manner.
• Where required and permitted take samples from the designated sample points on plant using the correct sampling procedures.
• Create standard operating procedures for newly developed testing methods.
• Support the Quality Coordinator and Laboratory Manager in gaining accreditation of new testing methods.
• Record results into LIMS and develop written technical reports for internal and external customers.
• Liaise with site‑based customers and technical team, both remotely and in person.
• To visit sites, when required, and assess efficiency of operational equipment/ processes.
• Provide solutions to customers using bespoke laboratory studies relevant to specific plant needs.
• Some travel to UK Operations which will require staying away from home on an ad hoc basis.
• Maintain a high standard of housekeeping, calibration of all laboratory equipment - balances, dispensers, pipettes.
• Take direction from our Laboratory Manager on day‑to‑day priorities.

Required Skills/Qualifications (Essential)

• Existing knowledge of good laboratory practice, routine testing, instrument maintenance and troubleshooting gained from at least 2 years practical experience.
• Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and laboratory skills.
• Excellent time management and project management skills.
• Good working knowledge of Quality systems such as ISO 9001 and ISO 17025.
• Good awareness of all HSE aspects in a laboratory environment (i.e., COSHH, RA).
• Knowledge and working experience of quality systems.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Written (specifically, report writing) and oral presentation skills of a high standard.

Required Skills/Qualifications (Desirable)

• Experience in auditing quality systems.
• Experience in a customer facing role.
• Experience of water, wastewater, cooling water and boiler water in the Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, food & beverage industries.
• Experience in developing analytical techniques.
• Industrial site experience would be advantageous.

Working for us means

• The salary is between £28,000 & £31,000 per year, depending on your professional experience.
• Hours of Work – 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• Overtime – will be paid at 1.5 (Not applicable for Manager and Coordinator role).
• Holidays – 25 days + 8 statutory days (pro‑rata).
• Probationary Period – 6 months.
• Pension – Can join immediately or auto enrolled after 3 months – Employee 5% and Employer 5% via salary sacrifice.
• Eligible to join Private Healthcare after successfully completing probation.
• Enrolled in Group Income Protection and Death in Service (4 x basic salary) upon commencement of employment.
• Notice – 1 week during probation, increasing to 1 month thereafter.

Environmental & Social Impact Goals

• To reach Net Zero emissions across our value chain by 2040.
• To continuously meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, accountability, maintaining B-Corp Certification.
• To be a socially responsible company creating a positive impact to all stakeholders including workers, communities, customers, and our planet.

Nijhuis Saur Industries UK & Ireland are an equal opportunity employer; we are committed to providing equal opportunities in all aspects of employment in line with the Equality Act 2010.