(Associate) Principal Scientist Material Sciences

Job Description
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.
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 multiple 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:
This role will provide expert technical guidance in the area of physical sciences to support Mondelez/RSSL's business objectives. This will require evaluation of emerging technologies to drive new / improved service offerings (e.g. manufacturing processes, NPD, analytical methodology) and provide expert scientific consultancy. Responsibilities will include complex analytical investigative projects, keeping abreast of scientific developments in the physical sciences area and representing the business externally, e.g. at relevant scientific symposia and expert working groups.
In-depth scientific understanding as well as practical experience in key analytical techniques will be required, to include specifically rheology, texture, and thermal analysis, with additional working knowledge of particle size analysis and low resolution NMR. Complex data/result interpretation and presentation to stakeholders will also be undertaken.
The position holder will be member of the RSSL team and primarily based in Reading, UK. However, some travel may be required either within the UK or overseas. This role is a key contributor for the ongoing financial, operational and analytical success of the businesses
Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
Functional/Technical

• Provide expert consultancy both internally & externally. Actively guide portfolio of analytical techniques globally to ensure delivery of world-class material Sciences capabilities. Significantly impact direction of work done by others in area of expertise. Be a "point person" for rheology, texture, and thermal analysis at Reading.
• Liaise across the business to undertake a range of specialist projects. Guide complex analysis & interpretation of data for both standard and emergency analysis. Ensure timely delivery of high quality data against project timelines. Independently propose solutions to time conflicts.
• Liaise with line management, business development managers and clients to ensure effective communication of incoming requests as well as results and actionable next steps. Work with clients to help solve problems.
• Upskill others in the team to deliver complex projects in area of expertise

Leadership, Communication & Influence

• Strong influencing, networking and stakeholder management
• Provide expert advice and lead client and stake holders meetings as required. Make an authoritative and expert scientific contribution to business strategy, research and analysis
• Deliver presentations of data & strategy to senior technical stakeholders e.g. directors, vice-presidents. Present complex scientific data as dictated by the business needs at RSSL, at clients' facilities, or at external meetings/ seminars to raise your own profile and RSSL's reputation in the industry.
• Represent and exert influence on behalf of RSSL/Mondelēz through involvement in external scientific institutions, government bodies & industry relevant committees
• Closely monitor scientific developments within the field of expertise through e.g. involvement in external scientific institutions, government bodies & industry relevant committees.
• To evaluate emerging scientific and sustainability trends & make recommendations to ensure Mondelēz / RSSL remain at the forefront

Quality, Environment, Health & Safety

• Work to the highest standards of safety and quality by ensuring that appropriate COSHHs, risk assessments and SOPs are understood and followed.
• To proactively identify and resolve Quality issues in area of expertise
• To complete assigned quality actions on a timely manner, including review and approval
• Understand and provide technical regulatory leadership in client audits
• To promote the maintenance of 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 or PhD in a relevant scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience in a laboratory.
• Proven track record (10 yrs+)of relevant laboratory experience, scientific/technical achievements & developing methods in rheology/ texture/ thermal analysis.
• In-depth knowledge of both technical area of expertise & business environment including regulatory requirements
• Good knowledge of laboratory quality and accreditation systems (GMP/UKAS)
• Strong written and spoken communication skills, with the ability to influence, network and manage internal/external relationships.
• Excellent organisational skills including time management and priority setting.
• Ability to deliver projects/work within tight timescales and ability to motivate and mentor junior scientific staff.
• Technical credibility to develop good working relationships with internal and external clients. Ability to direct complex analytical problem solving
• High levels of business acumen with strong ability to interpret, deliver and create new business opportunities.
• Proven experience of strategic planning and delivery
• Computer literate in standard MS office applications
• Visionary Leadership, evidence of inspiring a team to achieve excellence in the delivery of projects
• Recognised specialist - through Fellow / Member of relevant professional body, History of published work in relevant scientific journals.
• The individual in this position is a recognized expert in their discipline and has a demonstrated track record of applying their knowledge across different business areas.
• Proven experience of authoring technical reports and presenting findings at relevant symposia.
• Career evidence of report publication, with a track record of success.
• Experience of working for, or with, a CRO
• 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
• Private Medical (Self)
• 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
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.
#RSSL
Job Type
Regular
Analytical Science
Science & Engineering