Laboratory Automation in Reading

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 at the One Nucleus Awards and CRO of the Year at the OBN awards. We were also finalists for multiple recent 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: We are seeking a highly experienced and innovative Lead for Nutritional Testing Laboratory Automation & Workflow Expert to design, establish, and optimise a high-volume nutritional testing laboratory from end-to-end. This role will be pivotal in implementing lean, automated processes for rapid turnaround times, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance, and driving technological integration across all lab functions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of laboratory operations, end to end workflow, automation, LIMS integration, and project management within a food or similar analytical environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Laboratory Design & Infrastructure Development: Lead the comprehensive design of a food nutritional testing laboratory, encompassing process understanding and detailed process mapping for high-volume, fast-turnaround (TAT) samples. Define, design, install, and commission the entire facility, including specialized areas such as sample preparation, subsampling for different tests, equipment placement, consumables storage, and dedicated sample storage. Ensure facility design and operations adhere to all safety and compliance requirements from the outset. Map and optimize sample flow within the lab to maximize efficiency and minimize bottlenecks.
• Equipment, Automation & IT Integration: Manage the end-to-end process for equipment procurement, including ordering, placement, installation, and commissioning. Drive automation initiatives across the laboratory, integrating equipment with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Develop and implement LIMS integration strategies, including LIMS-to-LIMS integration for internal and subcontracted results, aiming for a fully paperless and efficient interconnectivity between equipment and the LIMS. Design and implement automated scheduling processes to optimize resource utilization and sample throughput. Oversee the integration of new methods, equipment, and IT solutions into the lab's operational framework. Implement barcoding systems or similar solutions for sample booking, batching, and tracking samples and results throughout their lifecycle.
• Process Optimization & Sample Management: Design and optimize the entire sample flow management process, from sample receipt and booking to storage, analysis, and report release, with a strong focus on automation for lean operations. Develop and implement automated solutions for sample submission and logging of samples and tests. Strategize and manage sample preparation logistics, ensuring efficient workflow and material handling. Map and optimize the sample procurement process to ensure timely and compliant material acquisition.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance: Ensure all quality and safety aspects for lab operations are rigorously met, interacting closely with respective quality and safety teams. Develop and implement comprehensive procedures (SOPs), training documents, and Risk Assessments for all new equipment, processes, and methods.
• Operational Efficiency & Stakeholder Management: Define and optimize the "Man, Material, Machine" movement within lab operations to enhance efficiency and safety. Establish and maintain effective communication channels with diverse stakeholders including technical teams, IT, Quality, Safety, Procurement, and Commercial, to ensure process alignment and successful project delivery.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Engineering, or a related scientific/technical field.
• Years of experience in laboratory operations, preferably in a high-throughput chemistry analytical lab.
• Proven experience in designing, setting up, and commissioning new laboratory facilities.
• Strong expertise in laboratory automation, LIMS implementation, and IT integration.
• Demonstrated knowledge of quality management systems (e.g., ISO) and safety regulations in a laboratory environment.
• Experience with process mapping, lean methodologies, and operational efficiency improvements.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.

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: 6 months full time contract, 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.

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.

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.