Analytical Scientist - Chemist in Edinburgh

Most people don’t think too much about how clean water reaches their taps. Or what happens to their wastewater.

But Scottish Water does. In fact, it’s all we think about.

Want to help? As an Analytical Scientist in our busy Organics Wing in Edinburgh, you’ll be on the front lines of making sure Scotland’s drinking water is totally, dependably pure.

What you’ll be doing

Clean water doesn’t just happen. Our team of 320 samplers, scientists and support staff analyse their way through an average of one test every minute. With so many tests going through the lab, you’ll prioritise work within your team. And you’ll manage routine maintenance of instrumentation to help avoid unplanned downtime.

Day-to-day, you’ll be using specialist lab instruments like LCMS, GCMS, and TRI-CARB LSC, focusing on a specific area of analytical science to ensure Scotland’s water quality is top-notch. Then you’ll help us translate the results for our customers. Getting it right is important, so you’ll work to ISO 17025 standards.

Together, we’ll tackle environmental challenges head-on, driving toward our Beyond Net Zero ambition while proudly upholding our ISO 14001 certification.

Naturally, we’ve got a big focus on health and safety. The goal? 100% compliance with the strictest standards – many of them set out in law.

What you’ll need

First of all, you love science. You know chemical testing and analysis inside-out, ideally backed up by an HND or degree-level qualification in a related scientific discipline. And, although it probably goes without saying, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is your thing.

Ideally, you’ll have some experience working in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited analytical laboratory – or at least have a good handle on the standard.

Beyond that, we hope that delivering great customer service is what gets you out of bed in the morning. And you’re committed to always improving processes.

What you’ll get

While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.

This is a full time (35 hours per week) role with some weekend working and standby requirements. But you’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take time off to volunteer in your community.

When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working. For your future, there’s our pension (the ‘know-what-you’ll-get-when-you-retire’ kind), and life assurance.

As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.

The not-so-small print

This role will be a Grade 5. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a starting salary of £32,650. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £38,610.

The laboratory provides analytical services from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm with some weekend working and standby requirements. Weekend shift working will be required in this role.

If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on Sunday 2th November 2025. We’ll be interviewing the week beginning Monday 10th of November.

Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. Screening is conducted on our behalf by a third party, and must be completed before your start date. Don’t worry - we’ll only start these checks once you’ve accepted an offer.