We are recruiting for a full time Assistant Scientist (Bathing Waters) on a fixed term basis for 6 months. This role will be based within our Eurocentral Office in Motherwell.

Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Assistant Scientist - Bathing Waters, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Work that goes beyond your desk

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment.

Within SEPA, the Environmental Evidence function leads on the delivery of advanced chemical, microbiological and genomic techniques. Through continuous innovation in laboratory analytical methods and driving operational efficiency, we provide accessible, quality assured and trusted data to support positive environmental outcomes.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering a wide range of tasks within the laboratory aimed at protecting and improving Scotland’s environment. 

This is an excellent opportunity for professionals who are passionate about the environment and advancing science.

Core tasks that you will be involved in include:

Deliver environmental monitoring and analysis in the microbiology and chemistry laboratories.
Preparing and analysing environmental samples, following established protocols and procedures
Following ISO17025 requirements to ensure data integrity and reproducibility
Use allocated equipment, carry out or arrange repairs and maintenance checks for laboratory equipment safely 
Working in a team to ensure that the work within the function is delivered on time and to required quality

Respect for your expertise

This is a highly important role within our Data, Evidence & Innovation portfolio, which means you’ll need:

Relevant experience or qualification equivalent to Scottish Credit and Qualification framework (SCQF) level 6-7  
Proven experience of working in a quality assured laboratory ideally with ISO 17025 accreditation  
Proven experience of effectively working in a team environment
Understanding of H&S requirements relevant to the role
Good Interpersonal, oral and written communication skills as well as good organisational skills, such as planning, prioritisation of workload

Please open the link to the Assistant Scientist role profile link which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family. Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:

Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community
Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Progressive Family Friendly policies
Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk

Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace