Scientist I

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. RSSL is dedicated to delivering world-class scientific solutions and outstanding customer service.

Recognised for our excellence, we were awarded CRO of the Year at the 2023 OBN Awards, adding to our previous accolades 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: The role at Scientist I is to be responsible for performing a range of routine and investigative analyses ensuring that projects are completed effectively and meet the customer’s contractual agreements. Perform chemical analysis and report work in accordance with the quality standards within the Speciality Pharmaceutical laboratory. Supervise and train junior members of the team as required. Occasional client contact and administrative support for laboratory management. The Speciality Pharmaceutical laboratory focuses on chromatography, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis techniques, with the focus of this role being IC. 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 analysis using techniques such as chromatography, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis under minimal supervision of a senior member of staff.
• Perform method validation following protocols.
• Perform basic maintenance and troubleshooting of lab equipment.
• Perform transcription checking for factual data (e.g. reagents) and review non GMP projects on LIMS.
• Be proficient in the use of generic and specific software packages required for the role: Laboratory’s LIMS system, Q-Pulse, etc.
• Provide training in routine activities and methods.
• Take responsibility as required for elements of specific projects and/or specific areas of general laboratory/sample administration.
• Will be expected to work in different laboratories if the demand is required.

• Work as part of an efficient analytical team.
• Participate in the preparation of client quotes.
• Deliver internal presentations across groups.

• Supervise and train a junior member of the team as required.

• Work to the highest standards of safety and quality by ensuring that appropriate COSHHs, risk assessments and SOPs are understood and followed.
• To 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.
• To maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment.
• To understand and work to the requirements of GMP and UKAS.
• Ensure training records are accurate.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements:

• Educated to Degree in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a laboratory.
• Good understanding of basic lab equipment.
• Practical experience of working with ion chromatography systems is a must.
• Practical experience in chromatography, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis techniques.
• Scientific understanding and ability to conduct chemical analysis in relevant area under supervision.
• Accountable, honest, hardworking and able to work efficiently in a team.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet customer/business requirements.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an ability to follow written instructions.
• 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.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment (preferred).
• 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.

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.