Senior Scientist - Business Improvement and Assurance (Dundee)

As a Senior Scientist, you'll support key initiatives for the Business Improvement and Assurance team. This includes the setup and maintenance of the Environmental Sensor Network (ESNET). ESNET measures a variety of water quality parameters - like temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and more - in-situ, and in real time.

These sensors are set up at wastewater treatment sites across Scotland, giving our operations and process science teams deeper insights into how each site is performing and meeting compliance standards. You'll play a critical role in supporting ESNET nationally, providing technical support and troubleshooting for the equipment, both on-site and remotely.

You'll be keeping up to date with advances in field monitoring, trialling new equipment and also be supporting quality assurance initiatives, including e.g. establishing on-site chlorine and turbidity monitoring activity, at water treatment works throughout Scotland. You'll be communicating directly with internal and external stakeholders (e.g. SEPA, DWQR) to provide training, technical updates and presentations on these initiatives. You'll be the expert our teams and stakeholders rely on, delivering straightforward advice and insights when they need it.

Your commitment to safety is paramount. You'll follow Scottish Water's Health and Safety policies consistently, in full compliance with all relevant legislations, regulations and Scottish Water policies to protect yourself, your colleagues, and our customers.

You'll know analytical science inside-out, ideally backed with an HND or Degree level qualification in Biology, Chemistry, Applied Chemical Sciences, or another Science-related field.

You'll have good knowledge of field-based analytical practices in relation to water and waste water testing. And, although it probably goes without saying, maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is your thing.

Ideally, you'll have some experience working in an ISO 17025 or GLP-accredited analytical laboratory - or at least have a good handle on the standard.

Whilst you'll be based out of Bullion House in Dundee, you'll be travelling throughout Scotland, so a full, clean driving licence is non-negotiable.

Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland.

Most people don't think too much about how clean water reaches their taps. Or what happens to their wastewater.

But Scottish Water does. In fact, it's all we think about., Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. These checks are conducted on our behalf by a third party. Don't worry - we'll ask your permission before starting these checks.

A few final things worth knowing…

Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you're interested in this job, but don't tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don't rule yourself out!

Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We're also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We're very used to making adjustments, so please don't be afraid to ask.

As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it's important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don't already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.

Finally (finally!), candidates who haven't submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won't need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.

While the work we do is important, we know it's not the only thing that matters. That's why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance.

This is a full time (35 hours per week) role with some weekend working and standby requirements. But you'll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). And you can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take time off to volunteer in your community.

When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working. For your future, there's our pension (the 'know-what-you'll-get-when-you-retire' kind), and life assurance.

As for some nice extras? You can expect an annual company bonus. Not to mention access to SW Splash - handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.

The not-so-small print

This role is a Grade 6. If you're new to Scottish Water, you'll join us on a starting salary of £33,560. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £44,140.