Scientist

We are recruiting for a full time Scientist on a permanent basis

This role will be based from SEPA’s 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 Scientist, 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. As Scientist, that involves:

  • Preparing and analysing environmental samples, following established protocols and procedures
  • Supporting, and at times leading, the development of new analytical methods, procedures and practices
  • Follow IS017025 requirements to ensure data integrity and reproducibility while reporting, processing and assessing complex analytical data
  • Operate allocated organisational assets or equipment in a safe manner
  • Work largely unsupervised, organising own workload and adjusting priorities as required, while supporting or mentoring colleagues by maintaining effective team relationships and contributing to team decisions

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 a minimum HND or Scottish Credit and Qualification framework (SCQF) level 8-10
  • Experience of laboratory analysis and troubleshooting instrumentation, ideally with a focus on chromatography techniques and the analysis of complex organic chemicals
  • Experience of method development and the validation of analytical techniques
  • Strong problem solving and data analysis skills
  • Proven ability to work unsupervised, to manage own workload, and successfully deliver set objectives

Please open the link to the 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

Scientist

Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, United Kingdom

ML1 4WQ

£39,725 to £43,887 per year New colleagues will start on the base of the salary
Permanent - Full-time
Posted today
Closing date: 26/04/2026
Job reference: LB1535885MotS