At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to analyse water quality and protect Scotland's environment.
- Company: Scottish Water, dedicated to providing clean and safe drinking water.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, flexible working, community volunteering time, and an annual bonus.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ensuring high-quality drinking water for Scotland.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in Chemistry; experience in analytical labs is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 39911 € per year.
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.
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 a Scientist within our busy Inorganics Wing in Edinburgh, you’ll be on the front lines of making sure Scotland’s drinking water is high quality and great tasting, all while protecting our environment by checking our wastewater.
What you’ll be doing
Clean water doesn’t just happen. Our team of 320 samplers, scientists and support staff are hard at work, analysing 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 analysing metals in waters and wastewater using ICPMS and ICPOES to help ensure the quality of Scotland’s Water and environment. Then you’ll help us translate the results for customers. Getting it right is important, so you’ll work to ISO 17025 (if you know, you know). 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 a HND or degree-level qualification in a Chemistry 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 £33,951. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £39,911. (Pro-rata) The laboratory provides analytical services from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm with weekend working and standby requirements. All new Scottish Water employees are required to complete pre-employment security checks before they can start work.
If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on Friday 29th May.
A few final things worth knowing... Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out! Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We're also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask. As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months. Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
Finally (finally!), candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted. We’re here to help. Ask us anything at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk
Scientist (Fixed-term/Secondment opportunity up to 10 months) in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer, dedicated to ensuring a healthy work-life balance for its employees while making a significant impact on Scotland's water quality and environmental protection. With generous benefits including 38 days of holiday, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee development, you will thrive in a supportive culture that values your contributions and encourages community involvement. Join us in Edinburgh, where your scientific expertise will play a vital role in delivering clean, safe drinking water to Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientist (Fixed-term/Secondment opportunity up to 10 months) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Scientist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to the role. Think about how your experience with ISO 17025 or GLP can shine through. We want you to feel confident and ready to show off your skills when you get that interview call!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for science! During interviews, share specific examples of projects or experiences that highlight your love for chemical testing and analysis. We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely excited about making a difference in Scotland’s water quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for enthusiastic candidates who want to join our mission at Scottish Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientist (Fixed-term/Secondment opportunity up to 10 months) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:When you're writing your application, let your love for science shine through! Talk about your experiences and what drives you in the field of chemistry. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about making a difference in water quality.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Mention any relevant experience in ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited labs, as this will show us you understand the standards we work by.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of chemical testing and analysis, especially in relation to metals in water and wastewater. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ICPMS and ICPOES, as well as any relevant ISO 17025 standards you've worked with.
✨Show Your Passion for Quality
Scottish Water values high-quality service, so demonstrate your commitment to maintaining safety and compliance. Share examples of how you've ensured quality in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you would approach maintaining the strict standards expected in this position.
✨Customer Service Mindset
Highlight your dedication to delivering great customer service. Think of specific instances where you went above and beyond to meet client needs or improve processes. This will show that you understand the importance of customer satisfaction in the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the company’s approach to environmental protection. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
