RSSL Technician - Microscopy

Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a cutting-edge Contract Research Organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the pharmaceutical, healthcare and food 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 OBN’s Best CRO, Women in Business Enlightened Employer and Business of the Year award winners.

Enriched by our parent company Mondelēz International, our diverse team includes 22 nationalities from 300 members, creating a family feel as we strive towards our mission of science enhancing lives.

How you will contribute

This exciting yet challenging role will involve performing all stages of routine testing to support Microscopy’s foreign body identification service and food R&D business.

The role will involve helping setup and support the creation of a spectral database for confocal Raman microscopy. Perform chemical/physical analysis, interpret results and report work in accordance with RSSL’s quality standards. The analysis of samples would be performed using light and electron microscopy techniques, X-Ray Microanalysis and spectroscopy techniques such as FT-IR and confocal Raman microscopy.

You will perform a range of analyses, prepare and maintain standard equipment and chemicals required for running of an analytical laboratory, support laboratory activities while ensuring compliance to the appropriate internal and external standards, and capture and report data with technical rigor and accuracy. To succeed in this role, you will maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment and be proficient in generic and specific software packages.

What you will bring

A desire to drive your future and accelerate your career and the following experience and knowledge:

•Working on teams and independently with the guidance of more senior team members.

•Proactively identifying problems and assisting in creating and implementing solutions.

•Maintaining equipment to ensure they are always operable.

•Applying your technical understanding of equipment to support laboratory operations.

•Recording and reporting data and activity outcome accurately.

•To help update and maintain the internal Mondelez spectral database used for Raman spectroscopy.

•Perform a range of routine analysis using Light Microscopy, FTIR, SEM and X-Ray Micro-analysis under minimal supervision of a senior member of staff.

•Will be expected to work in different areas of microscopy or other laboratories if the demand is required.

•Relevant industry and/or academic experience.

More about this role

What you need to know about this position: This exciting role would involve performing all stages of routine testing to support Microscopy’s foreign body identification service and food R&D business. Ensuring that projects are completed effectively and meet the customer’s contractual agreements. Perform chemical/physical analysis, interpret results and report work in accordance with the quality standards. This role focuses on the analysis of products using techniques such as light microscopy, FTIR, SEM, X-Ray microanalysis, CLSM and Confocal Raman. Occasional client contact and administrative support for laboratory management is also required.

What extra ingredients you will bring: You will have a good eye for detail, able to meet deadlines, work well as part of a team and be a fast learner with a desire to learn techniques.

Education / Certifications: Educated to degree level (or higher) preferably in a chemistry / food science discipline. An interest in microscopy / spectroscopy based techniques. Ideal for a recent graduate.

Job specific requirements: It would be advantageous (but not essential) for the post holder to have some experience in microscopy / investigative sciences. This will be a challenging yet rewarding role for the right candidate. Computer literate, good verbal and written communication, dextrous and co-ordinated, ability to work independently and as part of a team, ability to organise work to maximise output. Good English, verbal and written.

Travel requirements: Based at the Reading Science Centre with very occasional travel to other sites.

Work schedule: Full Time - Standard office hours.