Food Sciences Industrial Placement 2026 - 2027 (RSSL, Reading)

Mondelēz International; Reading; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading scientific research organization in Reading seeks a Food Sciences placement student. The role includes responsibility for projects involving analytical testing for nutritional claims and product stability. Candidates should be studying a scientific degree and possess strong analytical and communication skills. This is an intern position offering valuable experience in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

35 days annual leave

Contributory pension

Life assurance

Flexible benefits programme

Qualifications

• Studying towards a suitable scientific degree: Chemistry or related fields.
• 2:1 degree - predicted end-result (or equivalent).
• Good working knowledge of MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Assist customers with nutritional claim substantiation.
• Plan and execute experiments related to projects.
• Produce technical reports and presentations.

Skills

Self-motivated

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Presentation abilities

Teamwork

Education

Studying towards a scientific degree (e.g., Chemistry, Biochemistry)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Overview

RSSL (Reading Scientific Services Limited) is a multi-award-winning food and pharmaceutical research organisation dedicated to delivering analytical testing, R&D, consultancy and training services across the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries. RSSL is part of Mondelez International and has been recognised for excellence with industry awards including CRO of the Year at the 2023 OBN Awards.

Life at RSSL

Industrial placements are 13 months long and you will be an integral part of the team, with opportunities to expand your horizons and develop both personally and professionally.

Role focus: Food Sciences placement

As a Food Sciences placement student, you will be responsible and accountable for your projects from start to finish. You will join the Food Sciences team, which performs analytical testing to assist customers with nutritional claim substantiation, due diligence, labelling and ingredient stability. You will work both with a team and independently to undertake routine and investigative analyses and may help develop new, bespoke analytical methods. The Food Sciences group includes the Food Chromatography and Food Routine teams. The Food Chromatography team offers the chance to develop expertise in methods and equipment such as HPLC, IC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS, HunterLab Colourimeter, UV-Vis spectroscopy, titrations and gravimetric methods. The Food Routine team supports Allergen and Meat Authenticity Testing using ELISA and PCR techniques and/or Whole Genome Sequencing to identify bacterial organisms.

During the placement, you will plan and execute experiments related to your projects, produce technical reports and presentations, and periodically communicate key findings to stakeholders. You will have opportunities to interact with other RSSL departments and may support other ongoing project activities outside your immediate team. If a project is required to be completed as part of your university degree, RSSL will work with you and your supervisor to align a suitable project.

Safety and environment

Please be aware that this role may require handling materials that may contain chemicals, solvents and allergens, and appropriate protective wear will be supplied.

Essential Candidate requirements

Studying towards a suitable scientific degree: Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry, Forensic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Food Sciences, Natural Sciences, Physics and Materials Science.

• 2:1 degree - predicted end-result (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, RSSL offers an attractive benefits package within a highly successful international business that includes 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. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

We review applications on a first come, first served basis and reserve the right to close vacancies early, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

The assessment centre will take place on 3 December 2025 at our Reading site.

RSSL and Mondelēz are a diverse and inclusive employer and offer a fair and equal hiring process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to apply or throughout the assessment process, please contact [e-mail], stating “RSSL Pharmaceutical Science Industrial Placement” as the subject.

Our candidate requirements are based on criteria to enable success in the role. If you narrowly miss the above requirements and there are extenuating circumstances you would like us to consider, you can contact [e-mail] with the subject “RSSL Pharmaceutical Science Industrial Placement” and attach a letter explaining your extenuating circumstances.

Website: RSSL at https://www.rssl.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reading-scientific-services-ltd-rssl

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RSSLServices

For more details on our Early Careers schemes and advice on our application process, visit our careers site: Early Careers - UK | Mondelēz International, Inc. (mondelezinternational.com)

Business Unit Summary

RSSL is a cutting-edge contract research organisation (CRO), providing research, analysis and consultancy to the food, consumer goods and life science sectors. We work to transform lives through science, innovation and collaboration, serving clients from across 70 countries.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

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 Intern (Fixed Term) – Interns, Early Careers