Job Description

Are You Ready to Make It Happen at Mondelēz International?

Join our Mission to Lead the Future of Snacking. Make It Matter.

As an organization we are committed to developing the next generation of Makers and Bakers. Joining us at an early career stage in our fast paced and ever changing environment will enable you to do more, learn more and grow more. You will be encouraged to step outside your comfort zone– you may even surprise yourself! We will ensure you are given the support you need to be at your best and enable you to be yourself and bring passion and personality. Here you can lean in and speak up and bring your own flavor.

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, and our apprentices have also received awards from the Royal Society of Chemistry and been shortlisted for **Apprentice of the Year at the Thames Valley Awards.**If you are passionate about driving innovation and making a real impact, RSSL is the place for you!

Our Laboratory Science Apprenticeship strikes the ideal balance between going to university and getting a job. You get to earn while you learn - backing up the classroom theory with practical training from industry experts. All in all, the perfect preparation for an incredible career with a fast-paced, diverse, and dynamic company.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for highly motivated people with a real passion for science and determined to learn. No prior experience is needed as we’ll give you all the training you need to succeed. You’ll need to be able to work well in a team, as well as independently and have excellent communication skills.

What will you do?

The Laboratory Scientist role is a 4 year programme, which will require balancing work with learning. Your day-to-day work and training will be supported by studying towards a BSc Chemical Science degree with Manchester Metropolitan University (more information can be found here). The main learning will be completed once a week online, with a residential week once a year.

You will spend the first 24 months of the apprenticeship moving around different departments, and learning more about the specialisms of each team, to learn and carry out lab work. After 24 months, you’ll join a specific department where you’ll continue to grow and develop your skills. To support your education, you will be eligible to utilise 20% of your time towards your studies. This could be one day a week, or you can save them up to use for revision and exams.

We have been recruiting apprentices since 2013, many of whom are still with the business. Each year we are recruit multiple apprentices, so you’ll get the chance to work and study together, across different functions and previous year groups.

Where will you be based and when will you start?

You will be based at one of our four sites, all of which house state of the art laboratories. These sites are the Reading Science Centre, JJT and Knight Building (based on the University of Reading campus), and the fourth a short drive away in Wokingham.

We will begin interviews in May 2026 and the apprenticeship will begin in September 2026.

What benefits will you get?

In return for your work and dedication, you can look forward to;

• Competitive salary and annual bonus based on performance
• 35 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Access to world class scientific equipment
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified and experienced scientists
• Eligible for NUS Extra card providing you with discounts to many high street/online shops
• Contributory pension and flexible benefits programme
• Access to employee health and well-being programmes

Entry Criteria

You’ll need a good academic background to qualify for our apprentice program, including;

• 104 UCAS points at A-Level (grade BCC), one of which must be chemistry (or an equivalent scientific discipline).
• A minimum of 5 GCSE’s (or equivalent) at grades 9-5, including a Science, Maths and English Language (not Literature)
• As part of the requirement for this role you will need to apply and be accepted on to the University course after an offer has been made by RSSL

We will evaluate any applicants who do not meet these requirements but have relevant workplace experience or other equivalent qualifications (e.g. T-levels or BTEC diploma/extended diploma in a scientific discipline).

Travel Requirements/Work Schedule

You will be required to travel to the University site during your block release and for other agreed activities.

Application Deadline

• We recommend you apply as soon as possible. We will close this vacancy when we have enough applications, so please apply as soon as you can so your application can be considered.

RSSL website https://www.rssl.com/

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

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

Mondelēz is 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 Apprenticeship 2026” as the subject.

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?

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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.

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Job Type

Apprentice (Fixed Term)

Apprentices and Trainees:

Early Careers