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

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.
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 a Food Sciences placement student at RSSL, you will be responsible and accountable for your projects from start to finish.
For our Food Sciences 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, Food Sciences, Natural Sciences, Physics and Materials Science.
We are looking for students to join our Food Sciences team, who perform a range of analytical testing 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. Food Sciences comprises of Food Chromatography and Food routine teams. The Food Chromatography team will offer the chance to develop expertise in a range of analytical methods and laboratory equipment such as HPLC, IC, LC-MS, GC, GC-MS HunterLab Colourimeter, UV-Vis spectroscopy, titrations and gravimetric methods, whilst Food Routine support Allergen and Meat Authenticity Testing using ELISA and PCR techniques and/or Whole Genome Sequencing to identify bacterial organisms.
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.
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, 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. 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 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.
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 [email protected] stating "RSSL Pharmaceutical Science Industrial Placement" 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 [email protected] stating "RSSL Pharmaceutical Science Industrial Placement" 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
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)
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