RSSL Analytical Chemistry Internship/Placement Year 2024 - 2025

Job Description

Job Description

RSSL (Reading Scientific Services Limited) is a multi-award-winning food and pharmaceutical research organisation, pushing the boundaries of science to make our world safer, healthier, and more sustainable. Our clients, based across 70 countries, trust us to deliver intelligent solutions to real-world problems through rigorous analytical testing, cutting-edge research and development, customised consultancy, and training services.

This year we have been shortlisted for a number of awards, including two from the FDF - Technologist of the Year and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award. In 2022, OBN recognised us as Best Contract Research Organisation (CRO) for the second time, while The Great British Business and Community Awards named us Employer of the Year and The Thames Valley Business Award honoured us as their Business of the Year.

When you join RSSL, you’re joining a global network enriched by our parent company Mondelēz International. Our diverse team includes 23 nationalities from 350 members and, all together, we are committed to transforming lives through science, innovation, and collaboration.

Our 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 Analytical Chemistry 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 Analytical Chemistry 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, Natural Sciences, Physics and Materials Science.

Further details of each what each laboratory does can be found below, and we ask that you detail which area(s) you’re interested in and why as part of a cover letter which can be uploaded during the application process.

Functional Ingredients

The Functional Ingredients team provides a range of analytical methods to assist customers with nutritional claim substantiation, due diligence, labelling and ingredient stability. A student here will work both with a team, and independently, to undertake a range of routine and investigative analyses. There may also be opportunities to assist in the development of new, bespoke analytical methods. You will also develop expertise in a range of analytical methods and laboratory equipment such as HPLC, IC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS HunterLab Colourimeter, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.

Pharmaceutical Chemistry

The Pharmaceutical Chemistry team performs a range of routine and specialised analyses for a variety of pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. As a student, you will be part of a team of more than 20 and learn to work to GMP standards in our compliant laboratory, inspected by the MHRA and FDA. 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. Throughout the year you will develop expertise in a wide range of analytical methods and techniques such as FTIR, UV-VIS Spectrophotometry, Specific Optical Rotation, Specific Gravity, Refractive Index and Osmolality.

Physical Sciences

The Physical Sciences team look at physical properties of both food and pharmaceutical products, which are of vital importance in predicting and optimising quality and behaviour during processing and storage. As a student in this area, you will perform a wide range of analyses both with a team and independently on products from the food, pharmaceutical and healthcare industries, as well projects for Mondelez. You will develop expertise in analytical methods and operation of laboratory equipment including Karl Fischer, Malvern Mastersizer, mechanical sieving, and texture analysers.

Metals

The Metals group undertake a wide range of analytical contracts for a variety of healthcare, food and pharmaceutical companies as well as supporting Mondelēz research and development. Students in this department will conduct sample preparation (e.g., ashing and microwave digestion) and undertake analyses using a range of spectroscopy techniques including AAS, ICP-OES, ICP-MS.

Microscopy

The Microscopy group carries out investigative analysis to support our foreign body identification and product contamination services. These also carry out routine and bespoke pharmacopoeia testing. A placement student in this team will develop expertise in analytical techniques including light microscopy, FT-IR and RAMAN spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray microanalysis and microfluorescence.

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, for certain roles, the wider Mondelez business. In addition to this, you 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)
• Predicted classification 2:1 (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.

Closing date for applications is midday Friday 3rd November 2023.

We will be holding our final stage assessment centre for this role in-person at our Reading offices on Tuesday 28th November 2023. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered.

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

RSSL and Mondelēz are a diverse and inclusive employer with an objective to ensure a fair and equal hiring process. If you require any reasonable adjustments to apply or throughout our assessment process, please contact earlycareers@rssl.com stating “RSSL Industrial Placement - Chemistry” as the subject.

Our candidate requirements are based on criteria to enable you to succeed in the role. If you have narrowly missed the above requirements and there are extenuating circumstances that you would like us to consider, you can let us know by contacting earlycareers@rssl.com stating “RSSL Industrial Placement - Chemistry” as the subject and attaching a letter to confirm your extenuating circumstances.

Website https://www.rssl.com/

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

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

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 and want to learn more?

Please explore: Website YouTube LinkedIn Glassdoor

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.

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Job Type

Intern (Fixed Term)

Interns

Early Careers