Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist

APEM Ltd; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An environmental consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist to analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in freshwater ecology and a strong understanding of the UK water industry. The role involves supporting environmental monitoring projects and supervising junior staff. Benefits include flexible working options and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Private medical insurance

Mental health support

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates from UK habitats.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines with an excellent AQC record.
• Strong understanding of aquatic ecology and the UK water industry.

Responsibilities

• Analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to industry-leading standards.
• Contribute to high-profile environmental monitoring projects.
• Supervise and support junior staff.

Skills

Identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates

Understanding of aquatic ecology

Managing workloads effectively

Job description

About The Role

Are you passionate about freshwater ecology and the vital role aquatic invertebrates play in understanding environmental health? Do you have a sharp eye for detail, strong taxonomic skills, and the drive to deliver scientific excellence?

APEM are looking for a Senior Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Laboratory Scientist to join our expert team at one of our laboratories in Stockport, Edinburgh, or Letchworth. Our analysts are at the forefront of environmental monitoring—supporting projects for water companies, regulators, and consultancies, from drought permits and pollution assessments to invasive species monitoring.

In this role, you’ll analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to APEM’s industry-leading standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in all analyses. You’ll contribute to high-profile environmental monitoring projects, supervise and support junior staff, and continue developing your own expertise—potentially specialising in specific taxonomic groups. You’ll also have opportunities to get involved in fieldwork, data reporting, and the preparation of tenders and technical documentation.

What you’ll do

You will analyse and identify macroinvertebrate samples to industry-leading standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in all analyses. You’ll contribute to high-profile environmental monitoring projects, supervise and support junior staff, and develop your own expertise, potentially specialising in specific taxonomic groups. You’ll have opportunities to engage in fieldwork, data reporting, and the preparation of tenders and technical documentation.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ experience identifying freshwater macroinvertebrates from a range of UK habitats
• An excellent AQC record and ability to work to tight deadlines
• A strong understanding of aquatic ecology and the UK water industry
• The ability to manage workloads effectively and maintain high-quality standards
• An understanding of other types of aquatic biological analysis (e.g. phytoplankton, zooplankton, diatoms)

Desirable experience

• Experience identifying macroinvertebrates to mixed taxon/species level
• Specialist knowledge in specific macroinvertebrate groups (e.g. damselflies, dragonflies, INNS species)
• Experience in live bankside analysis or training junior staff
• Understanding of Water Framework Directive methodologies
• Experience contributing to business cases or tenders

Benefits & Culture

At APEM, our people are our greatest asset. We value integrity, quality, collaboration, and forward thinking, and we’re committed to providing an inclusive, flexible workplace where everyone belongs. Whether you’re deepening your taxonomic expertise or mentoring the next generation of freshwater scientists, you’ll have the opportunity to grow, contribute, and make a difference.

You will be offered the chance to work on a variety of projects, with a commitment to continuous development and learning to support your career. We also offer benefits to look after you, including private medical insurance for all employees, access to mental health first aiders, and comprehensive income protection if you cannot work. We also offer superb flexible working options, balancing work with your life.

Next steps

We are focused on creating a diverse and inclusive team. If you can’t tick every box on our job description, we are still keen to hear from you and are open to supporting your development, including part-time arrangements or gaining experience in a specific area. We are a growing company and can adapt roles to reflect individual skills.

If you think you have what it takes to join our fast-growing business, please apply immediately on our website. All we need is some basic information and your CV; we will review all applications quickly and respond to all applicants.

About Us

The APEM Group is a global environmental consultancy. We work with a range of clients including large corporations and governments to help them understand and solve a wide variety of environmental projects in the UK and globally. Our successful pioneering work has enabled us to grow and combine forces with other businesses who share our ethos and integrity. At our core, our people are working toward the protection of the environment across the globe.