At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse water quality and ensure Scotland's drinking water is safe and tasty.
- Company: Join Scottish Water, a trusted organisation dedicated to clean water for all.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of holiday, flexible working, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Embrace a supportive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working with cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in Chemistry; experience in ISO 17025 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 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.
Salary and Working Hours
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. The laboratory provides analytical services from 7.00 am to 7.00 pm with weekend working and standby requirements.
Water Quality Scientist — ISO Lab & Flexible Hours employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while ensuring the highest standards of water quality for Scotland. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working options, we foster a supportive environment where scientists can thrive and grow professionally. Our focus on community engagement and family-friendly policies further enhances our workplace culture, making Scottish Water a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Water Quality Scientist — ISO Lab & Flexible Hours
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the water quality field on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of ISO 17025 and GLP standards. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role, especially your hands-on skills with ICPMS and ICPOES.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for science and customer service during interviews. Share examples of how you've improved processes or ensured safety in previous roles – it’ll make you stand out!
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Water Quality Scientist — ISO Lab & Flexible Hours
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Science:Let us see your love for science shine through in your application! Talk about your experiences with chemical testing and analysis, and how they’ve shaped your understanding of water quality. We want to know why you’re excited about this role!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you've worked in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited lab, make sure to mention it! Share specific examples of your responsibilities and achievements that relate to the job description. This will help us see how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨Know Your Science
Brush up on your knowledge of chemical testing and analysis, especially related to water quality. Be ready to discuss your experience with ICPMS and ICPOES, as well as any relevant ISO 17025 standards you've worked with. This will show your passion for the role and your understanding of the technical requirements.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've improved processes or solved issues in previous roles. Scottish Water values commitment to continuous improvement, so highlight any initiatives you've taken to enhance efficiency or safety in a lab setting.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be part of a busy team, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively. Think of instances where you successfully communicated results to customers or worked with colleagues to prioritise tasks. This will illustrate your fit within their team-oriented culture.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Scottish Water's mission and values, particularly their focus on health and safety and environmental protection. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, showing that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can contribute meaningfully.
