Scientific Administrator I

Job Description
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:
In RSSL we are customer focused, science led, and results driven. RSSL performs a wide range of analytical and microbiological analyses for a variety of pharmaceutical, healthcare and food companies and supports Mondelez research and innovation.
The Operations Lab Support (OLS) department is responsible for the administration of all samples arriving at RSSL, across all our sites, along with providing laboratory support to all the departments and liaising with internal and external customers.
Sample administration includes responsibility for the receipt of samples and materials, creating projects in our LIMS system, ensuring there are no discrepancies between submitted client paperwork, sample pot labelling and quotations. Tasks undertaken include sub-sampling of supplied samples, subcontracting analytical work and inputting of these results, returning samples to clients, and maintaining chain of custody for controlled samples.
Laboratory administration includes responsibility for supporting assigned laboratories with housekeeping, glass washing and maintenance of consumables and materials. Tasks undertaken include calibration of equipment, managing inventory and waste streams, disposal of samples and archiving of data.
In this role you take responsibility for performing aspects of sample and lab administration effectively. Within sample admin, projects will get booked in to the required standard and timeline. Within lab admin, inventory management and equipment calibration will be performed following all safety and quality requirements required, along with supporting execution of lab admin tasks.
Primary Accountabilities / Responsibilities:
Technical

• Ensure samples are logged into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) in an accurate and timely manner, ensuring efficient throughput of samples from package arrival to sample receipt into the laboratory or out to a subcontractor.
• To assist in the sub aliquoting of samples for both internal and external customers or subcontractors, subsampling project samples by strictly adhering to all SOP requirements.
• Perform routine checks and calibrations within the laboratories.
• Manage inventory of samples, reagents and consumables processes.
• Perform lab administration, glasswashing and housekeeping duties.
• Manage disposal and archiving processes.
• Be competent in the use of generic and specific software packages required for the role including LIMS system and Q-Pulse.
• Will be expected to work in different laboratories and sites if the demand is required.

Communication & Influence

• Work as part of an efficient team looking to identify and implement process improvements.
• Liaise with clients, commercial, site administration teams and line management to ensure effective communication.
• Liaise with both internal and external customers where necessary to ensure that the information on LIMS is accurate and ensure customer satisfaction by always representing RSSL in a professional manner.

QEHS

• Work to the highest standards of safety and quality by ensuring that appropriate COSHHs, risk assessments and SOPs are understood and followed.
• Assist in the control of all client documentation as required, ensuring that only the most current versions are supplied to analysts.
• To complete assigned quality actions in a timely manner.
• To maintain a clean, tidy and safe working environment.
• To understand and work to the requirements of GMP, UKAS and Home Office regulations. Ensure training records are accurate.

Behaviours and Competencies

• Safety Consciousness: Prioritise safety by consistently wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to safety guidelines, raising safety observations and encouraging others to do the same.
• Communication Skills: Maintain clear and effective communication with team members, reporting any issues or discrepancies promptly and documenting all activities accurately.
• Team Collaboration: Work well with others, helping when needed, sharing knowledge, and contributing to a positive team environment.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Demonstrate the ability to think critically and solve simple problems, especially when unexpected situations arise.
• Organisational Skills: Keep the work area clean and organised, ensuring samples and consumables are properly stored and labelled.
• Reliability and Trust: Take ownership of your tasks, completing them with high reliability and meeting deadlines consistently, building trust with team members.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Flexible and able to adapt to new ways of working, and changes in the laboratory environment.
• Continuous Learning: Stay up to date with the latest safety practices and QSOP updates, seeking out opportunities for professional learning and development.
• Attention to Detail: Follow procedures to ensure accuracy and safety in every task.
• Compliance with Regulations: Ensure all activities comply with relevant SOP's, demonstrating integrity and professionalism.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Language Requirements:

• Educated to A-level / HNC level (or equivalent) and / or have appropriate industry experience to be able to fulfil role requirements.
• Good understanding of basic lab equipment (preferred)
• Accountable, honest, hardworking and able to work efficiently in a team.
• Flexible and adaptable to meet customer/business requirements.
• Meticulous attention to detail and an ability to follow written instructions.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic and quick to learn.
• Well organized and capable of working on multiple activities concurrently.
• Computer literate in standard MS office applications
• Experience of working in an administrative role
• Experience of working in a regulated environment
• 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
• 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
Scientific Administration
Science & Engineering