South East Water UK
Microbiology Analyst (4 on 4 off rota)

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Summary:
The working schedule for this role is 4 days on, 4 days off, working 28 hours a week. You will work a shift pattern of 6pm-2am with a 15% shift allowance. Do you have a sound knowledge of microbiological analysis? Can you plan and prioritise effectively? If so, don’t miss this exciting opportunity…
You’ll take up this crucial role to perform and guide microbiological analysis to help provide reliably safe, clean wholesome water to our customers. Our microbiology team seek to detect faecal indicator bacterial species and protozoa in our water supply. The laboratory receives samples daily throughout the year. So, you’re focused, adaptable and maintain a high standard of quality. In this role, you’ll analyse and interpret data, update systems and maintain equipment. You’ll take every step to ensure that analysis is performed accurately in line with our required standards and expected timeframes. The capabilities of our laboratories are marking leading. You’ll use cutting edge facilities and methods with our encouragement to share ideas and contribute to continuous improvement.
We’re a commercially focused laboratory, we provide our services to private sector customers including other water companies. Expect a fast paced, busy and friendly work environment. If you’re dedicated and passionate then this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the success of our microbiology team.
Unfortunately, we cannot offer sponsorship for this role. For more information on sponsorship, please refer to government advice here: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job
Main responsibilities:
- Ensure that instrumentation is operated and analysis performed in line with the Laboratory Management system.
- Assist with the maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment.
- Analyse and interpret data and complete all laboratory paperwork.
- Document information by maintaining daily logs and equipment.
- Ensure data is accurately entered into the Laboratory Information Management System within set timeframes.
- Ensure that the sample stability and turnaround for the given analysis is met.
- Assist to prepare standards, reagents and Quality Control Samples in accordance with company internal procedures.
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You'll need:
Skills / Qualifications / Experience
- Relevant academic qualification or scientific subject at NVQ level 3 equivalent or above.
- Willing to work towards full membership of a professional body.
- Excellent numeracy, literacy, computer literacy and laboratory skills to engage in robust analytical laboratory practice.
Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.
We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That’s why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package:
- Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
- Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
- Paid volunteering days.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Health cash plan.
- Life assurance.
- Wellbeing related benefits.
What can you expect from your recruitment?


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To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career’s website. It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.
If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply now!
South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.
Compensation package: £20,435.20 + 15% shift allowance
Be you, belong and valued.
Grow a career with a meaningful purpose.
- Come to work to be safe, valued, and trusted.
- We’ll encourage you to create and pursue new opportunities for personal growth.
- A place to be the real you, build deeper connections and enjoy a sense of belonging.
- Be invested in helping us to create a sustainable water supply for now, and in the future.
Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match.
We supply top-quality drinking water to 2.3 million customers in the southeast of England. Through a network of 9,000 miles of pipe, we deliver 544 million litres of water every day. It's the skill and expertise of our employees that ensures our water meets the highest standards. We make sure we can meet the needs of our customers both now and in the future.
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