At a Glance
- Tasks: Support hazardous waste operations and manage chemical waste processes at AstraZeneca.
- Company: Join Veolia, a leader in ecological transformation and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, discounts, and health resources.
- Other info: Recognised as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three years running.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: HNC or Degree in Chemistry preferred; problem-solving and communication skills essential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
Salary: £30,500.00 per annum plus Veolia benefits
Location: Cambridge CB2 0AA
When you see the world as we do, you see the chance to help the world take better care of its resources, and help it become a better place for everyone. It's why we're looking for someone who's just as committed as we are, to push for genuine change and bring our ambition of Ecological Transformation to life. We know that everyone here at Veolia can help us work alongside our communities, look after the environment, and contribute to our inclusive culture.
What we can offer you:
- Access to our company pension scheme
- Discounts on everything from groceries to well known retailers
- Access to a range of resources to support your physical, mental and financial health; so you can lean on us whenever you need to
- 24 hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household
- One paid day’s leave every year to volunteer and support your community
- Ongoing training and development opportunities, allowing you to reach your full potential
- Employee financial wellbeing support: early access to your earned pay, savings, budgeting, financial coaching & reward
What you'll be doing:
- Provide support for the Veolia Site Manager in implementing hazardous waste operations at AstraZeneca Discovery Centre
- System management of chemical waste processes within the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre
- Completing both regulatory and internal documentation of all associated laboratory waste related activities
- Liaison with laboratory facility suppliers to ensure safe and efficient presentation of laboratory waste
- Liaison with Veolia and third party disposal facilities to ensure compliant waste removal from the AstraZeneca Discovery Centre
- Management of hazardous waste storage areas
- As an integral member of the waste management team, provide assistance, when required, to complete the daily operations and task specific procedures for the collection, accumulation, treatment, packaging and dispatch of all waste materials originating from the AstraZeneca
What we're looking for:
- Ideally HNC or Degree qualification in Chemistry or relevant science degree, or A-Level in Chemistry
- An ability to overcome problems and find solutions independently
- Enthusiastic and willing to learn
- Numerate, literate and computer literate
- Happy to work outside in all weathers
- Knowledge and/or experience of hazardous waste, COSHH and health and safety understanding
- As some chemist roles are mobile, candidates must hold a valid driving licence, and be comfortable driving a 3.5t van
- Good communication skills and the ability to build rapport with customers are essential
We're proud to have been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work for three consecutive years in 2023, 2024 and 2025. This consistent recognition reflects our commitment to our people, demonstrating that Veolia is not just transforming the environment, we're also transforming what it means to have a rewarding, purposeful career.
We're dedicated to supporting you throughout your application journey, offering adjustments where reasonable and appropriate. As a proud Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long-term condition who opt-in to the Disability Confident scheme, and meet the minimum criteria for our roles. We're also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Site Chemist employer: Veolia UK
At Veolia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a hybrid working model across our Solihull sites that promotes work-life balance and flexibility. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is evident through generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, a comprehensive pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities that empower you to reach your full potential. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying a supportive and inclusive culture that values every team member's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Site Chemist
✨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 Veolia UK. 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 Veolia UK 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 Veolia UK, 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 Veolia UK 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 Site Chemist
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 Veolia UK. 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 Veolia UK
✨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 Veolia UK and the Site Chemist 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!
