At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse water quality and ensure Scotland's drinking water is safe and tasty.
- Company: Scottish Water, dedicated to providing clean water and protecting the environment.
- Benefits: 38 days holiday, flexible working, family-friendly policies, and an annual bonus.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working with passionate scientists.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in Chemistry, with a love for science and customer service.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 39911 £ per year.
Scientist (Fixed-term/Secondment opportunity up to 10 months) Juniper House. 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:
- Analysing metals in waters and wastewater using ICPMS and ICPOES to help ensure the quality of Scotland’s Water and environment.
- Prioritising work within your team and managing routine maintenance of instrumentation to help avoid unplanned downtime.
- Translating results for customers.
- Working to ISO 17025 standards.
What you’ll need:
- A passion for science and knowledge of chemical testing and analysis, ideally backed up by a HND or degree-level qualification in a Chemistry related scientific discipline.
- Experience working in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited analytical laboratory is ideal.
- A commitment to delivering great customer service and improving processes.
- A focus on maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.
What you’ll get:
- A full-time role (35 hours per week) with some weekend working and standby requirements.
- 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays), with the option to buy five more.
- Time off to volunteer in your community.
- Family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Pension and life assurance.
- An annual company bonus and access to SW Splash for rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The not-so-small print:
- This role will be a Grade 5 with a starting salary of £33,951, with performance-driven pay progression 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.
- All employees must be Scottish taxpayers and commit to moving to Scotland within the first three months if not already residing here.
- Employees may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
We’re here to help. Ask us anything at SWRecruitment@ScottishWater.co.uk.
Water Quality Analytical Scientist (Fixed-term) employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of drinking water and environmental protection in Scotland. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer a generous holiday allowance, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for community volunteering, all within a supportive and safety-conscious work culture. Join us in Edinburgh as a Water Quality Analytical Scientist and be part of a team that values your growth and contributions while making a meaningful impact on the lives of people across Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Analytical Scientist (Fixed-term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Scottish Water on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on ISO 17025 standards and the specific analytical techniques mentioned in the job description. Show us you know your stuff and are ready to hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your qualifications; share real examples of how you've improved processes or delivered great customer service in past roles. We love hearing about your hands-on experience!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the team at Scottish Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Analytical Scientist (Fixed-term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:When you're writing your application, let your love for science shine through! We want to see how your background in chemistry and analytical testing makes you the perfect fit for our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited lab, make sure to mention it! We’re keen on candidates who understand these standards, so don’t hold back on sharing your experience.
Tailor Your Application:Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the role. Use keywords from the job description and show us how your skills align with what we’re looking for. It’s all about making that connection!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of chemical testing and analysis, especially related to water quality. 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 Water Quality
Scottish Water is all about ensuring clean and safe drinking water. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for environmental protection and how your work can contribute to this mission. Share examples of how you've prioritised quality in past roles.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
As a Scientist, you'll be part of a larger team. Highlight your ability to collaborate effectively with others, manage workloads, and support routine maintenance of instrumentation. Prepare to give examples of how you've worked in a team to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the role, the team, and Scottish Water's commitment to health and safety. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
