Technical Specialist

The Inorganic Chemistry team plays a crucial role in the Thames Water Laboratory, delivering nearly half of our annual results. We analyse over 30 different methods related to the regulatory and statutory testing of drinking water, trade effluents, soils & sludges, and wastewater from treatment works. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a Technical Specialist to lead key projects, such as validating new equipment, and ensuring our team’s expertise and capability remain at the forefront of the industry.

What you’ll be doing as a Technical Specialist
 

• Delivering improvement projects that align with ISO17025, focusing on enhancing existing methods and developing/validating new equipment.
• Support the Team Leaders and Technical Manager in managing resources to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our regulators, customers, and UKAS standards.
• Troubleshoot methods and equipment, ensuring maintenance programmes are effective and identifying any training needs within the team.
• Investigate analytical issues, identify root causes, and implement preventative actions to improve processes.
• Foster a positive team culture, providing guidance and mentorship to analysts, helping them grow through our progression scheme.
• Champion the Quality Management and Health & Safety systems and actively participate in team and departmental meetings.

This role is based at Spencer House, Reading, RG2 0JH.

What you should bring to the role
 

• Solid understanding of laboratory quality systems, with experience in interpreting and managing analytical data. Knowledge of ISO17025 is essential; familiarity with DTWS and MCERTs is a bonus.
• Hands-on experience with Inorganic Chemistry methods and laboratory instrumentation, with a proven ability to develop new methods, troubleshoot, and implement improvements to enhance efficiency and performance.
• A collaborative approach with excellent communication skills and experience leading small teams. You’ll be a role model for the analysts, offering guidance and support to the wider team.

What’s in it for you?
 

• Competitive salary offering from £36,240 - £45,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays).
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.