Senior Process Scientist – Water Sector

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Process Scientist to provide technical support across water, wastewater and sludge processes. The role covers operational oversight, quality optimisation and regulatory compliance for multiple sites within the South East England region. You will work independently, set priorities and mentor junior staff.

Key responsibilities

• Deputise for the Principal Scientist as required.
• Review business proposals and literature, providing technical input and commenting on suitability.
• Mentor Process Scientists and advise the Management Team on technical issues to maximise treatment efficiency and manage compliance risks.
• Review online monitoring systems and data trends, implementing preventative or reactive technical solutions.
• Investigate plant or process failures, compliance breaches, or odour issues and recommend remedial action.
• Conduct field tests, collect samples, arrange laboratory testing and interpret results for investigations, audits and risk assessments.
• Train plant operators on technical aspects of processes and develop training packages where required.
• Provide technical expertise to on‑site contractors delivering capital programmes or remedial works.
• Respond to pollution incident call‑outs and liaise with the Environment Agency to minimise environmental impact.
• Regularly collect, monitor and analyse plant and process data, producing technical reports with conclusions and recommendations.
• Undertake continuous professional development in specialisms such as sludge, phosphate removal or modelling.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a Senior Process Scientist in water, wastewater or sludge treatment.
• Ability to work independently across multiple sites and set own work priorities.
• Experience mentoring junior scientists and providing technical guidance.
• Strong problem‑solving skills for investigating process failures and compliance issues.
• Capability to communicate technical information effectively to operators and management.
• Commitment to continuous professional development in relevant specialisms.

Required skills

• Sludge treatment processes.
• Phosphate removal techniques.
• Process modelling.
• Online monitoring systems and data trend analysis.
• Field testing and laboratory sample analysis.
• Plant operation training and development of training packages.
• Environmental compliance and pollution incident response.