Scientist II

Job Description
Are You Ready to Make an Impact at RSSL?
Join Our Mission to Transform Lives Through Science, Innovation and Collaboration
At Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL), we lead the way in scientific analysis, research, consultancy, and training. We provide services to the food, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries, as well as our parent company, Mondelez International.
We are not just dedicated to delivering world-class scientific solutions and outstanding customer service, we are recognised for it. We were named Best Performing Professional Services Company of the Year (2025) at the One Nucleus Awards and CRO of the Year at the OBN awards. We were also finalists for multiple recent multiple awards recognising our commitment to skills and rising talent.
If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a real impact, RSSL is the place for you!
Purpose:
In RSSL we are customer focused, science led and results driven. The RSSL Speciality Pharmaceutical laboratory performs a wide range of analytical analyses for predominantly pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and supports Mondelez research and innovation.
The role at Scientist II is to undertake a practical role with possible supervisory responsibilities within the Speciality Pharmaceutical laboratory (Core team). This role plays a key role in ensuring that projects are performed and delivered effectively and accurately within agreed timescales and to appropriate quality standards. This role focuses on routine testing to established methodologies (client methods and pharmacopeial methods) for pharmaceutical raw materials and products including method verification. The Speciality Pharmaceutical laboratory focus on chromatography. Supervision of analyses and training of junior members of the team, client contact, project management of client projects and administrative support for laboratory management are all part of the role.
The position will be primarily based at the RSSL sites on the Reading university campus, although may require attendance at any of the RSSL sites or to support work in other laboratories.
Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
Technical

• Provide high quality customer service at all times by ensuring effective organisation of assigned workload, integrity of analytical data generated and timely/accurate provision of results.
• Perform a range of routine and investigative analysis using chromatography techniques independently and provide interpretation of results generated as required
• Perform method optimisation and design verification protocols with support. Responsible for the maintenance of the chromatography systems including checking and approving supplier's reports (qualifications, repairs and preventative reports).
• Assist with technical aspects for client proposals for method optimisation and verification protocols. Be superuser in the use of openlab and OIRR's proficient at setting up reports and troubleshooting.
• Provide training and supervise junior staff in routine activities and methods. Will be expected to work in different laboratories if the demand is required.

Communication & Influence

• Work as part of an efficient analytical team. Liaise with clients, business development and line management to ensure effective communication of project proposals and results.
• Participate in client and stake holder meetings as required. Deliver presentations to technical stakeholders and clients as required. Manage small projects or defined areas of larger projects.

Leadership and supervision

• Plan own workload and plan routine projects for junior staff. Train junior members of the team in routine methods.

QEHS

• Work to the highest standards of safety and quality by ensuring that appropriate COSHHs, risk assessments and SOPs are understood and followed.
• Complete assigned quality actions in a timely manner.
• Assist with the documentation of SOPs for simple equipment and tests and generation of Risk Assessments and COSHH.
• Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment. Understand and work to the requirements of GMP and UKAS.
• Ensure training records are kept up to date and accurate

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements:

• Educated to Degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a laboratory.
• Good understanding of basic lab equipment
• Scientific understanding and ability to independently conduct chemical analysis in relevant area (AAS & ICPMS)
• Accountable, honest, hardworking and able to work efficiently in a team
• Flexible and adaptable to meet customer/business requirements. Well organised and capable of working on multiple activities concurrently. Meticulous attention to detail
• Good verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate with client's and colleagues
• Self motivated, enthusiastic and quick to learn.
• Able to organise own work and others to maximise output
• Computer literate in standard MS office applications
• Experience of working with AAS & ICPMS systems
• Experience of working in a regulated environment.
• English fluency (written and spoken)

More about this role
In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer an attractive benefits package within a highly successful international business that offers financial rewards and resources, including:

• Opportunities to learn and develop
• Performance Related Bonus scheme
• Contributory pension (between 8% to 11% employer contribution)
• Life assurance
• Private Medical (Self)
• 27 days holiday allowance (possibility to buy 5 extra days) + bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• A flexible benefits programme (Gym discounts, private health insurance, restaurant discounts, etc).

No Relocation support available
Business Unit Summary
Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is a cutting-edge contract research organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the food, consumer goods and life science 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 70 countries. Enriched by our parent company, Mondelēz International, our team are committed to transforming lives through science, innovation and collaboration.
Curious about us and want to learn more?
Please explore: Website YouTube LinkedIn Glassdoor
RSSL is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
#RSSL
Job Type
Regular
Analytical Science
Science & Engineering