At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct chemical analysis and ensure high-quality scientific testing.
- Company: Join South West Water, a leader in the UK water sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to make a positive impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for training and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape your career while contributing to a greener future.
- Qualifications: Experience in laboratory analysis and a passion for science.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose. South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK's most stunning landscapes. We're proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we're working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and support farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife. Whether you're starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career. Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
About the Role: As a Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry), you will play a critical role in ensuring high-quality scientific analysis that supports operational, regulatory, and customer needs. You will deliver accurate and reliable microbiological or chemical testing while maintaining strict compliance with quality and safety standards.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct chemical analysis using approved laboratory methods
- Maintain laboratory records in line with ISO17025:2017 and accredited quality systems
- Perform routine calibration and maintenance of laboratory instruments
- Plan and prioritise daily workload to support efficient laboratory operations
- Validate analytical results and determine suitability for reporting or further investigation
- Interpret and report results to internal and external stakeholders, responding to technical queries
- Identify, investigate, and document non-conformances, escalating where appropriate
- Support training and development of colleagues when required
- Contribute to method development and continuous improvement initiatives
- Promote and comply with Health and Safety regulations
Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry) employer: South West Water
At South West Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our extensive training programmes and opportunities for career advancement, all set against the backdrop of the stunning South West landscapes. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying a fulfilling career in the water sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry)
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like South West Water. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like South West Water to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to South West Water, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like South West Water and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at South West Water. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to South West Water and the Laboratory Scientist (Chemistry) role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
