Laboratory Scientist

Hello, we’re Severn Trent and we think water is wonderful. We serve 4.8 million households and businesses across the heart of the UK. Each cuppa drank and every toilet flushed is only possible because of the 6,500 brilliant team members working across our patch. We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality. We know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our customers and the communities where they live. If you want to do more because you care, we’d love to talk to you.

Our Water Quality and Environment team have an opportunity for you to join as our new Laboratory Scientist on a 12 month basis. In your new role, you’ll be responsible for undertaking chemical analysis of drinking water and associated samples from water treatment works, service reservoirs, customer taps and catchment surveys which deliver regulatory commitments to the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI). You will need knowledge of Water Quality testing procedures and standards ensuring that all aspects of testing are carried out using the correct processes and methods.

You’ll be responsible for the analysis of high volume, complex work streams, using the Laboratory LIMS system to report results and ensure samples are tested within the required priority deadlines and to the highest standard of Water Quality testing to ensure public health is protected.

Some Of Your Other Key Accountabilities Will Include:

• Interpreting, checking, and reporting analytical data and analytical quality controls in accordance with QMS requirements, whilst having the ability to identify atypical results, investigate and respond appropriately.
• Having a good understanding of laboratory processes, allowing identification and interpretation of atypical results or scenarios to ensure the correct action is taken.
• Having rapid escalation and completion of non-conforming work investigations identifying the root cause and implementing corrective and preventative actions.
• Assisting with the training, coaching, and mentoring of colleagues.
• Maintaining DWI and ISO 17025 competency requirements by participation in external proficiency testing schemes meeting the required pass rate, maintenance of Continued Professional Development record (CPD), producing AQC data, and method witness audits.
• Incident & standby response requires ability to identify correct analysis parameters and technical support with evaluation of results.

What You’ll Bring To The Role:

We’re seeking our new Laboratory Scientist to be comfortable ensuring that all aspects of work are carried out using the correct procedures, processes and methods documented within the QMS to ensure compliance with ISO17025 and Regulatory Standards. To be successful, it’s expected that you’ll ideally have a minimum of six months lab experience, 5 higher grade GCSE’s or equivalent and a minimum of HNC, HND, NVQ Level 3 in relevant Chemistry / Biology subject or equivalent. It is desired if you have a higher qualification in a scientific discipline or have a membership with a professional body.

You’ll need to have an analytical, methodical mindset and the ability to communicate and work effectively as part of a team. You’ll also need strong IT and problem-solving skills and good attention to detail with the ability to keep accurate records.

The right skills and experience are important. But if you have the right character, positivity, and a caring attitude we want to talk to you too. We welcome people from all walks of life and celebrate individuality as we know diverse minds, experiences and backgrounds help us to learn and better serve our communities. We want people who show up and get involved. Those who are ready to be part of something bigger and who want to make a difference because they care.

What’s In It For You:

Working here isn’t just a job. You can build a career at Severn Trent, and we’ll reward you for it too. We have a range of benefits that recognise great work, and award-winning training to help you reach your potential. And we’ll also help you play your part in looking after the environment and the communities where we live.

With That In Mind, Here Are Just Some Of Our Favourite Perks That You’ll Get Being Part Of The Seven Trent Family:

• Starting salary of £28,572
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays (and the ability to buy/sell up to 5 days per year)
• Annual bonus scheme (of up to £1,500 per annum based on company performance)
• Leading pension scheme – we will double your contribution (up to 15% when you contribute 7.5%)
• Sharesave – the chance to buy Severn Trent Plc shares at a discounted rate
• Dedicated training and development with our ‘Academy’
• Electric vehicle scheme and retail offers
• Family friendly policies
• Two volunteering days per year

We can’t wait to hear from you. Before you apply, you’ll need an updated copy of your CV and about five minutes to spare. And if your curiosity has peaked and you’re wanting to find out even more, search on social media. Ps. we’ll always let you know the outcome of your application after the closing date - so keep an eye on your phone and emails.