Scientist II

Mondelēz International; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international food company in Wokingham is seeking a Scientist II to undertake analyses in the Microbiology laboratory. This full-time permanent position involves performing routine and investigative analyses and supervising junior staff. Candidates should possess a degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline and have good communication skills. The role offers an attractive benefits package, including a performance-related bonus scheme, pension, and flexible benefits.

Benefits

Performance-Related Bonus scheme

Contributory pension (8% to 11% employer contribution)

Life assurance

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Flexible benefits programme including gym discounts

Qualifications

• Educated to degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a laboratory.
• Good understanding of lab equipment.
• Able to conduct chemical analysis independently.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and investigative analysis independently.
• Provide high quality customer service.
• Train junior staff in routine activities and methods.

Skills

Accountable

Honesty

Hardworking

Good communication

Self-motivated

Education

Degree or PhD in relevant scientific discipline

Tools

Lab equipment

Job description

What We Do

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 (2025) 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

The RSSL Microbiology laboratory performs a wide range of analytical analyses for a variety of food, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and supports Mondelez research and innovation. The role for Scientist II is to undertake a practical role with possible supervisory responsibilities within the Microbiology laboratory. This role focuses on routine and investigative analyses of products, and method development and validations using techniques detailed in INF‑680. The position is primarily based in Wokingham but may require attendance of any RSSL site. Refer to INF‑680 for key performance indicators and focus areas for Traditional and Technical career focus.

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 and investigative analysis using techniques as stated within INF‑680 independently and provide interpretation of results.
• Perform method development, transfers and design validation protocols with support.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the systems including checking and approving supplier reports (qualifications, repairs and preventative reports).
• Assist with technical aspects for client proposals for method development, transfers and validation protocols.
• Be a superuser in the use of (enter specific examples e.g. Openlab), proficient at setting up reports and troubleshooting.
• Provide training and supervise junior staff in routine activities and methods.
• Work in different laboratories if demand requires.

Communication & Influence

• Work as part of an efficient analytical team.
• Maintain liaison with clients, business development and line management to ensure effective communication of project proposals and results.
• Participate in client and stakeholder meetings as required.
• Deliver presentations to technical stakeholders and clients as required.
• Manage small projects or defined areas of larger projects.

Leadership and Supervision

• Plan own workload and plan routine projects for junior staff.
• Train junior members of the team in routine methods.

Quality, Environment, Health & Safety (QEHS)

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

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements

• Educated to degree or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a laboratory.
• Good understanding of (include specifics) lab equipment.
• Scientific understanding and ability to independently conduct chemical analysis in the relevant area.
• Accountable, honest, hardworking and able to work efficiently in a team.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet customer/business requirements.
• Well organised and capable of working on multiple activities concurrently, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Good verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate with clients and colleagues.
• Self‑motivated, enthusiastic and quick to learn.
• Able to organise own work and others to maximise output.
• Computer literate in standard MS‑Office applications.
• Experience of working with techniques as per INF‑680.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment.
• English fluency (written and spoken).

More About This Role

This is a Full Time (Permanent) role. Thursday to Monday (including Bank Holidays).

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.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• A flexible benefits programme (Gym discounts, private health insurance, restaurant discounts, etc.).

No relocation support available.

Job Type

Regular Analytical Science Science & Engineering.

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.

Curious About Us?

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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.