Summer Internship Programme 2026 – Microbiology

Ready to own your future? At Scottish Water, our Summer Internship Programme empowers you to gain hands-on experience, tackle real challenges, and contribute to shaping Scotland’s future. This is more than just a summer job – it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. As part of our team, you’ll play a key role in delivering essential services and infrastructure that help Scotland flourish every day. 

You’ll be joining us at a fascinating time, as we transform into a more agile, innovative organisation that delivers outstanding service, provides great value for money, and works in an environmentally sustainable way that goes beyond Net Zero. 

Graduating in 2027? Kickstart your career with a 12-week summer placement and start building your future today. 

What you’ll do 

Science skills within the water sector are becoming increasingly critical as the world faces the interconnected challenges of climate change, resource sustainability, pollution, and population growth.  

At Scottish Water, microbiology plays a central role in addressing these challenges. From ensuring the safety of drinking water to managing wastewater compliance, microbiological expertise is vital for protecting public health, supporting sustainable economic growth, and delivering resilient, cost-effective services to our customers.  

You’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in our state-of-the-art microbiology laboratories, where our dedicated team of over 300 samplers, scientists, and support staff conduct rigorous testing to monitor and maintain water quality. With an average of one test performed every minute, our labs are at the forefront of water safety and environmental stewardship.  

By joining our microbiology team, you’ll apply your university studies in a live operational laboratory environment, learning directly from experienced microbiologists as they tackle real-world water quality challenges. 

This is a paid summer internship, with an hourly rate of £13.45, aligned with the Real Living Wage. The role is typically full-time (35 hours per week), though we’re open to discussing flexible working patterns where possible. For a 35-hour week, the equivalent annual salary would be approximately £24,574, pro-rated for the length of the internship. 

What you’ll need 

You’ll be in the penultimate year of your degree (or about to start a Masters), and on course for at least a 2:2 in a relevant discipline such as Biology, Chemistry or Microbiology. You’ll also need to be available for the full 12-week placement, starting in June. 

Most of all, you’ll bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and a real desire to learn – along with the motivation to apply what you’re studying in a practical, real-world environment. 

You’ll need to live within commuting distance of our labs in Juniper House (Edinburgh) as this role will be aligned to one of our key office locations.  

In terms of essential requirements? That’s it. 

But here’s the thing… 

We receive thousands of applications for our internship roles each year. So what helps candidates stand out? 

Here are a few things we love to see: 

• CVs that tell us more than just your grades. Show us what you’ve learned, what interests you, and what motivates you. 
• Cover letters that explain why Scottish Water – and why this particular internship appeals to you. 
• Applications that demonstrate our values: Bold, Responsible, Inspiring and Caring. 

Looking out for you 

While the work we do is important, it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we support a healthy work-life balance and flexible ways of working where possible. 

You’ll gain meaningful experience, build your professional network, and get a real feel for what a future career at Scottish Water could look like – all while being supported by experienced colleagues who want you to succeed. 

What happens next? 

The closing date for applications is Sunday 8th February. Please submit your CV and a cover letter (maximum 500 words) as part of your application. 

If shortlisted, final interviews will take place during February 23rd to March 13th and yes, you’ll get the chance to ask us plenty of questions too. 

If you accept a place on the programme, you’ll complete pre-employment screening during the Spring, including a criminal record check. 

All interns will start together in June for a 12-week Summer Internship, finishing at the end of August. You’ll take part in an induction, meet fellow interns and colleagues, learn about the organisation, visit operational sites, and hopefully have a lot of fun along the way.