Senior Process Scientist - Water Sector

Senior Process Scientist Location: Falmer & onsite Salary: £34k - £48 Job Type: Full Time, Permanent Sector: Water / Wastewater / Utilities About the Role We are looking for an experienced Senior Process Scientist to provide a technical support service across a geographical or specialist area of responsibility, covering the operation of processes including sludge, wastewater, waste management and R&D. You will be responsible for implementing operating methods, monitoring and optimising quality and performance, and investigating, advising upon and implementing corrective actions to ensure compliance across legal, health and safety, and regulatory requirements. You will work within a specific regional area, which may contain a large number of sites or fewer, more complex sites, and will hold collective accountability for effluent and product quality alongside other site staff. You will work independently across your site(s), determine your own work priorities, and may guide and mentor more junior staff, escalating only the most complex or impactful decisions to senior management. Key Responsibilities Deputise for the Principal Scientist as required Review business proposals and literature, providing technical input and comment on the suitability of proposed plans and changes Mentor Process Scientists in their development, providing advice and guidance to support their day-to-day roles Advise the Management Team on technical issues to ensure optimal site functioning, maximise treatment process efficiency and manage risks of non-compliance and pollution Review online monitoring systems and data trends, implementing technical solutions on a preventative or reactive basis Investigate plant or process failures, compliance breaches, or odour issues and take or recommend remedial action Undertake field tests, collect samples, arrange laboratory testing and interpret results as part of regular or ad-hoc investigations, audits and risk assessments Train plant operators on the theory and practice of technical aspects of plant processes, developing training packages and materials where required Provide technical and procedural expertise to on-site contractors delivering capital programmes or remedial works Attend pollution incident call-outs as required, liaising with the Environment Agency to minimise environmental impact Regularly collect, monitor and analyse plant and process data, providing technical reports with conclusions and recommendations Undertake regular CPD, developing skills across one or more specialisms such as sludge, phosphate removal or modelling Keep up to date with developments within the water industry, and may present papers at conferences on behalf of the company What We're Looking For Knowledge & Technical Skills Strong understanding of one or more specialist areas including wastewater, sludge, R&D, trade and waste Strong investigative and scientific testing skills, including the use of specialist equipment and procedures Experienced user of MS Excel, with the ability to utilise company-specific information systems Understanding of relevant business processes, legislative and regulatory requirements affecting the company Ability to identify areas of potential or actual compliance and pollution risk and determine appropriate courses of action Business & Personal Skills Strong scientific report writing, investigation and analytical skills Experience writing thought papers and presenting at conferences (desirable) Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements into layman's terms for plant operators, internal stakeholders and external parties Ability to influence and persuade others Flexible, independent and able to manage own workload across multiple sites Leadership Experience supervising, coaching or mentoring others Experience & Qualifications • Relevant experience across wastewater and sludge treatment is essential; experience of waste management or R&D would be beneficial • Degree in a science or engineering discipline with significant relevant experience, or A-Levels/HND equivalent with substantial relevant experience • Membership of a relevant professional body is desirable, with chartered status preferred Why Join Us? This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced process scientist to take on a senior, technically influential role, working independently across a regional area, mentoring junior colleagues and playing a key part in maintaining compliance, performance and environmental standards across the water industry. To apply, please submit your CV today