RSSL Graduate Scientist

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a cutting-edge Contract Research Organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Whether we are creating new products, validating medicines or solving investigations, we take pride in being a leader in our field, serving clients from across 60 countries.
 
In 2019, we’ve been recognised as Enlightened Employer, Women in Business and Thames Valley Tech finalists and in 2018 one of our family earned the Food & Drink Federation’s Scientist of the Year.
 
Enriched by our parent company Mondelēz International, our diverse team includes 23 nationalities from 300 members, creating a family feel as we strive towards our mission of “Science Enhancing Lives”.
 

RSSL

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a cutting-edge Contract Research Organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the food and pharmaceutical sectors. Whether we are creating new products, validating medicines or solving investigations, we take pride in being a leader in our field, serving clients from across 60 countries.    
 
In 2019, we were recognised as Enlightened Employer, Women in Business and Thames Valley Tech finalists and in 2018 one of our family earned the Food & Drink Federation’s Scientist of the Year.
 
Enriched by our parent company Mondelēz International, our diverse team includes 23 nationalities from 300 members, creating a family feel as we strive towards our mission of “Science Enhancing Lives”.
 

We deliver science with service

Mondelēz International is a world leader in FMCG such as chocolate, biscuits, gum and candy. We market our products in 165 countries and have annual net revenues of $26 billion. We employ 2,400 scientists across the globe, many of which are based at our Global Science Centre (RSSL) in Reading, UK.  Even if you’re not familiar with our name, you’ve almost certainly heard of our billion-dollar brands like Cadbury, Milka, Belvita, Prince, and Oreo.
 
You may wonder how a large FMCG organisation relates to the world of pharmaceutical, healthcare, bio-pharmaceutical and consumer goods.  We do this at RSSL by combining our scientific expertise and cutting-edge equipment, with dedicated specialist teams to support these other industries. 
 
Big enough to reach the top, small enough to help you get off the ground
Are you a results-focused, bright and enthusiastic individual? Would you relish the opportunity to work in a laboratory environment, helping world-leading brands develop and supply products that are safe, innovative and of the highest quality? 
 
As a Graduate Scientist at RSSL, you will be based within one of our cutting-edge laboratories, providing services to our external customers and in some cases, Mondelēz. You will have the chance to apply your academic learning in a friendly and intellectually challenging environment.  Training and coaching, through industry experts and senior mentors, together with resources from Mondelez International University will be provided to support your ongoing technical and personal development.
 

Life at RSSL

Take a look at our website and YouTube channel and get a snapshot of what it is like to work at RSSL.

Website: www.rssl.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RSSLServices
LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/107107

 
The Role

The graduate position is responsible for performing a range of routine and investigative analyses in accordance with quality standards, ensuring that projects are completed effectively and meet the customer’s needs.  The type of routine analyses and techniques are specific to each of RSSL’s laboratories, including Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Development, Microscopy, Physical Sciences, Metals, DNA and Protein and Functional Ingredients.  The role will require occasional client contact, administrative support for laboratory management, and supervision and training of junior members of the team.
 

The responsibilities

• Performing analyses using techniques specific to the laboratory. These could include AAS, MP-AES, ICP-MS/ICP-OES, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, XRF, UV spectroscopy, HPLC, GC-FID, ELISA, PCR, whole genome sequencing
• Working in an organised manner within tight deadlines and under minimal supervision
• Providing high quality customer service at all times
• Ensuring effective management of assigned workloads, integrity of analytical data generated and timely/accurate provision of results
• Developing expertise in analytical techniques and scientific understanding and performing basic maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment
• Report writing
• Providing training in routine activities and methods
• Proficiency in use of generic and specific software packages required for the role, such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and Q-Pulse.
• Performing method validation following protocols, and transcription checking for factual data
• Take responsibility as required for elements of specific projects and/or specific areas of general laboratory/sample administration
 
                                  
 
Candidate Requirements:

• 2.1 degree or above (predicted is fine at this stage)
• A strong interest in FMCG

 
Essential candidate requirements

• Studying towards a science related degree (detailed above)
• 2:1 degree - predicted end result (or equivalent)
• Self-driven and motivated
• Naturally inquisitive and passionate about technical excellence
• Can work with a level of autonomy, as well as within a team
• Demonstrate strong analytical, communication and presentation abilities
• Pro-active, highly motivated, ready to take on new responsibilities and build strong relationships
• Experience of planning experiments or trials
• Able to travel (if required)
• Good working knowledge of MS Office
 
 
We pride ourselves on having a high performing and collaborative culture where we offer support and development to enhance your career and develop your knowledge and skills.

In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer an attractive benefits package within a highly successful International business that offers contributory pension, life assurance, generous holiday allowance and a flexible benefits programme.

Please be aware that this role may require handling of materials that may contain chemicals, solvents and allergens, and the appropriate protective wear will be supplied.