Assistant Scientist

We have a great opportunity for an Assistant Scientist to join our dedicated Laboratory team in Saltford.

In this role, you will utilise your interest in science to support our customer commitment programme. This involves providing drinking water and wastewater recycling services to a wide customer base while also protecting our environment.

If you have a desire to put your current scientific knowledge to practical use, then we want to hear from you!

What you'll do

Our Scientific Centre in Saltford, which uses state-of-the-art instruments and methodology, plays an integral part in delivering excellence to our customers.

Our work helps ensure that we provide the highest quality drinking water and sewerage treatment services to our customers.

We operate seven days a week, testing both drinking water and wastewater. We also provide a service for external customers, such as local authorities, drinking water providers and environmental consultants.

As an Assistant Scientist, you will be analysing potable and wastewater samples which have come from across the region.

We have a role available in our Organic Chemistry team where you will use a variety of instrumental methods, such as HPLC, LCMS and GCMS to analyse a range of organic compounds such as pesticides, disinfection by-products and other water contaminants. 

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• analysing potable and wastewater samples.
• keeping meticulous records to comply with our quality requirements.
• working safely in a laboratory environment.
• maintaining and running equipment and instruments.
• communicating and interacting with the Senior Scientists and other members of the team.
• entering data into company systems.

What you'll need

This role would suit a recent science graduate, but as a minimum, you will have GCSEs in maths and English and A levels or equivalent in a science subject.

Previous experience working within a laboratory environment is helpful but certainly not essential as full training will be provided.

Our team's technical knowledge and expertise are especially vital to our work. You will be offered a range of tailored development opportunities to enable you to progress through the competency framework at a pace which is right for you on your journey to becoming a Scientist.

Your personal training programme will include support to attain a professional qualification or accreditation as well as other development courses. 

Due to the nature of the work, having an interest in chemistry would be beneficial. Vital to this role is a great eye for detail, a methodical approach and being a great team player.

What you'll receive

• Total pension contributions up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to buy up to 10 days' holiday and sell up to five every year.
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• A new electric car in exchange for part of your gross salary.
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• An interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone to work for us.

Who we are

We are one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West.

The work we do goes beyond providing an essential public service. We also aim to have a positive impact on the communities we serve and the natural environment.

Our people tell us Wessex Water is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have the opportunity to develop and progress your career, while also receiving health and wellbeing support.

We also continue to promote diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us and if you would like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you. Please do not hesitate to let us know about any additional support you may need.

Sound interesting? Apply to start your application.