Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL) is at the forefront of scientific analysis, research, consultancy and training. We provide services to the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries and the parent company Mondelez International. RSSL's goal is to be a world class supplier of scientific services by offering scientific excellence coupled with industry leading customer service.
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
Our industrial placements are 13 months long and during this time we'll make you an integral part of the team. We hope to help you expand your horizons and encourage both your personal and professional development.
Life at RSSL
As an Pharmaceutical Science placement student at RSSL, you will be responsible and accountable for your projects from start to finish. We have multiple opportunities available across our state-of-the-art laboratories, where each has their own specialisms.
For our Pharmaceutical Science placements, we will consider the following degrees - Chemistry (and related degrees such as Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry), Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Natural Sciences, Physics and Materials Science.
We are looking for students to join our Pharmaceutical Wet Chemistry and Speciality Pharmaceutical teams. Both teams perform a wide range of routine and specialised analyses for a variety of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. As a placement student, you will be an integral part of the team and learn to work to GMP standards in our compliant laboratories. You will undertake a comprehensive training programme to perform routine testing of pharmaceutical raw materials, active pharmaceutical ingredients (API's), excipients and finished drug products against pharmacopoeia and client methods. The Wet Chemistry team perform techniques such as FTIR, UV-VIS Spectrophotometry, Specific Optical Rotation, Specific Gravity, Refractive Index and Osmolality. Whilst the Speciality Pharmaceutical team are more chromatography focused, using techniques including HPLC, IC, GC, AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS.
During the placement, you will be expected to plan and execute experiments related to your projects, produce technical reports/presentations, and periodically communicate your key findings to stakeholders. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other departments within RSSL and may also be expected to support other ongoing project activities outside of your immediate team. Where a project is required to be completed as art of your university degree, we will ensure to work with you and your supervisor to find a project which meets the requirements.
Please be aware that this role may require handling of materials that may contain chemicals, solvents and allergens, and the appropriate protective wear will be supplied.
Candidate Requirements
Studying towards a suitable scientific degree (detailed above)
* 2:1 degree predicted end grade (or equivalent)
* Self-motivated and driven
* Naturally inquisitive and passionate about technical excellence
* Can work with a level of autonomy, as well as within a team
* Demonstrate strong analytical, communication and presentation abilities
* Pro-active and ready to take on new responsibilities
* Able to build strong relationships
* Good working knowledge of MS Office
* Able to travel (if required)
In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer an attractive benefits package within a highly successful international business that offers a competitive salary, 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays), contributory pension, life assurance, and a flexible benefits programme.
This position does not meet the minimum salary requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Therefore, we are unable to consider applicants who require sponsorship.
We review applications on a first come, first served basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies early - therefore we recommend that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
The assessment center will take place on the 3rd of December 2025 at our Reading site.