Innovation Technologist

Overview

Join to apply for the Innovation Technologist role at RSSL. RSSL is a Reading Scientific Services Ltd, a cutting-edge contract research organisation that provides scientific analysis, research, consultancy and training to the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. RSSL is dedicated to delivering world-class scientific solutions and outstanding customer service. RSSL is part of Mondelez International.

Recognised for excellence, RSSL was awarded CRO of the Year at the 2023 OBN Awards, with additional accolades including Employer of the Year, Enlightened Employer and Women in Business.

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 Product and Ingredient Innovation department (PII) carries out product development, ingredient evaluation and taste optimisation for a variety of food, pharmaceutical and health care companies and supports Mondelez research and innovation.

The role of Innovation Technologist is to be responsible for carrying out practical work to support project managers to help solve problems associated with the formulation of new food products, application of ingredients and development of novel food processing techniques. Training support for junior members of the team and administrative support will be expected. Client contact and administrative support for laboratory management will also be required.

Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities

• Technical
  • Manage allocated work tracks within internal projects or small external projects. To include planning practical work, hosting review meetings, providing project updates/client communication.
  • Maintain accurate records of practical work, report findings, make recommendations and contribute to decision making
  • Organise and execute pilot plant and scale up trials and host clients/stakeholders when required
  • Contribute to/prepare high quality final reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and external clients as appropriate
  • Become proficient in a wide range of food and beverage formulations
  • Travel to other sites to assist with sample production and demonstrate technical expertise

• Communication & Influence
  • Create/maintain credible relationships with new/existing clients
  • Participate in internal stakeholder and external client meetings as required
  • Deliver presentations as required to team members, stakeholders/clients and as requested at forums etc.

• Leadership and Supervision
  • Plan own work effectively
  • Supervise and train junior members of the team on formulations and equipment

• QEHS
  • Work to the highest standards of safety and quality by ensuring that appropriate risk assessments, SOPs and COSHH’s are understood and followed.
  • Become the EHS rep for the team and attend the EHS rep monthly meetings and feedback to the PII team, be responsible for reporting incidents on Enablon, carry out weekly safety inspections and provide local safety inductions where required
  • Write SOPs for new equipment and the generate Risk Assessments and COSHH
  • Complete assigned quality actions in a timely manner
  • Maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment in accordance with Health and Safety policies and procedures
  • Ensure training records are accurate

• Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements:
  • Bachelor or Master Degree in Food Science & Nutrition, Food Technology or Engineering
  • Experience of product development and formulation together with an understanding of food manufacture and related disciplines
  • Accountable, honest, hardworking and able to work efficiently in a team
  • Flexible and adaptable to meet customer/business requirements
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Self motivated, enthusiastic and quick to learn
  • Able to organise own work to maximise output
  • Well organized and capable of working on multiple activities concurrently
  • Computer literate in standard MS Office applications
  • Practical experience in a development kitchen
  • Knowledge of food ingredients
  • 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
• 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

Equal Opportunities

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.

Job Type

• Regular
• Full-time
• Product development
• Science & Engineering

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Job function

• Other

Industries

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing