Scientific, food & FMCG jobs and careers
We specialise in finding roles for high-calibre scientific professionals across key industry practices, at some of the top scientific and food, drink and FMCG companies in the UK.
Looking to take the next step in your scientific career?
We have specialists across the UK looking for talented professionals. Send us your CV today and we’ll contact you with the latest job opportunities.
Submit CVWe know science
For more than 60 years, Reed has delivered a full range of specialist scientific opportunities across the UK.
We have offices strategically located nationally in key life sciences, food, drink and FMCG hotspots, enabling us to work with some of the best companies and laboratories in finding top professionals like you. This makes it easy for us to find you the best jobs in science.
We offer flexible working options that suit you and your lifestyle across our temporary and permanent scientific jobs, and our team of expert consultants will work with you to find your perfect role.
We operate across a broad spectrum of markets within the scientific sector, and traditional roles which we recruit for include:
Chemists - inorganic/organic/formulation
Biochemistry
Biotech and biomedical scientists
Microbiologists
Laboratory staff technicians and managers
Technical, quality assurance and regulatory affairs
New product development specialists
Research and specifications technologists/engineers
We will provide you with support and advice throughout the recruitment process, including CV advice, interview preparation and managing the offer process. Our scientific recruiters specialise in recruitment in this sector and many hold science-related degrees, so can offer credible and specialist knowledge and advice when helping you take the next step in your career.
Food, drink & FMCG
Whether you’re looking for a temporary, permanent or interim role, our food, drink and FMCG recruitment consultants can help you find the perfect match.
The food science markets continue to evolve and develop rapidly, and our specialists keep track of the latest developments and trends to ensure they are aware of the key skills and knowledge you need to secure your next role in the sector.
Our experts recruit for many roles across the industry, from food scientists and product developers to quality assurance specialists and technical experts. Reed covers all areas of the market including new product development and quality assurance, through to technical and specification roles.
With scientific consultants based in the major STEM hubs across the UK, our experts can connect you to the best roles for your skill set with some of the UK’s top organisations. Our expert recruiters have the scientific knowledge and insight to provide you with detailed information on the salaries and benefits you can expect from your desired role, while working closely with you throughout the process, giving you essential advice and guidance.
Biotechnology
We have decades of experience in placing professionals in roles across biotechnology and life sciences. Our specialists are experts in recruiting across molecular and cell biology, biomedical science, and microbiology. With offices in scientific hubs across the UK, your scientific expert will be able to find you a vacancy to suit your skill set and knowledge.
If you are looking for a permanent, temporary or interim position as a QA manager, principal scientist, or laboratory technician, we’ll work with you to find a job that fits with your lifestyle.
Our specialists in biotechnology recruitment have access to the latest data and insight to provide you with the best career advice. Not only will we support you with your CV and provide interview guidance, we will help you manage your offer and ensure you’re getting the right package for the job.
Pharmaceutical
The fast-paced, ever-changing nature of the pharmaceutical industry can make finding the right role challenging. Reed’s expert recruiters have over 60 years’ experience tackling these challenges head-on, and will find you the right role with the right organisation.
Reed’s pharmaceutical experts recruit for permanent, temporary and interim roles across all stages of drug development and discovery. Our national network of specialists, each with local market knowledge and some from a scientific background themselves, can find you a role to suit your skill set, no matter how niche. If you’re looking for a regulatory manager, pharmacologist or formulation scientist role, we can match you to the right job, salary and benefits package, and company.
Your pharmaceutical expert will keep in touch with you throughout the recruitment process. They’re on-hand to answer any of your questions at all stages, and will provide you with interview guidance and advice to ensure you stand the best chance in securing your next career move.
Medical devices
The pace of change in the medical devices sector is rapid, which is why Reed’s scientific specialists work alongside you to ensure you are up to date with the latest developments, and only put you forward for roles that match your skills and experience.
Reed covers the whole spectrum of roles within the sector, including quality assurance and quality control, regulation, and product development. Whether you’re looking to take the jump to a research and development position, or are looking to be a production manager, your local specialist will use their market knowledge and expertise to find the right job for you.
We have offices located throughout the UK, which allows us to provide specialist knowledge to you about the local, as well as national, medical devices market. Whether it’s permanent, temporary or interim work you are looking for – our experts will make sure they fully understand your needs and support you throughout the process.
Chemicals/material science
As a leading supplier to some of the UK’s top chemical manufacturers, our specialists in chemical and material science are well placed to find you a permanent, temporary or interim role within this field. Our experts work across the complete chemicals and material science landscape, including formulation, scale up chemistry, and materials and chemical testing.
At Reed, we pride ourselves in providing impeccable service, so we work in partnership with you to find the right role for your education and skills. Whether you’re looking to move to a more senior position as an inorganic chemist, or just simply want a change of scenery as a regulative affairs officer, your expert can work in partnership with you to find a role and package to suit your requirements.
All our consultants are knowledgeable in the field of chemicals and material science, and some have worked within the sector, so can help answer any questions you have and share their own knowledge and experience of the market with you. Your scientific specialist will provide you with support and advice throughout the recruitment process, including CV guidance, interview preparation and managing the offer process.
Roles we've recently filled
Technical officer
Healthcare company
Bristol
Laboratory assistant
Contract research company
Cambridge
Chemist
Speciality chemicals company
Oxford
Lead scientist
Health technology company
Oxford
Product development manager
Animal health organisation
Blackpool
Laboratory technician
Forensics company
Tamworth
Your local Reed office is working with employers across the UK who are looking for talented scientific professionals.
Testimonials
We have specialists across the UK looking for talented professionals.
What's happening
Scientific salary guide 2024
Explore comprehensive salary data for the UK's scientific sector in our 2024 guide. Gain insights into average earnings for research, and science professionals.
Read moreSustainable plastic packaging: rich opportunities for science and innovation
Companies are setting targets for recyclable, compostable and reusable plastic, with research ongoing into refining current practices. So, what might the future hold for the packaging industry?
Read moreFood and FMCG salary guide 2024
Gain salary trend insights for the UK's food and FMCG sector. Detailed wage data for roles in food supply chain, distribution, and fast-moving consumer goods.
Read moreScientific, food & FMCG FAQs
To get a job in the scientific industry, you may need to hold a relevant degree, or have some practical experience, or additional qualifications and certifications relevant to the role you are applying for.
Reach out to one of our specialists today to help you find your perfect role.
For scientific roles, you will need to highlight your skills in collaboration, teamwork and meeting deadlines, as well as reaffirming your scientific knowledge and achievements. You also need to tailor your CV to the specific role and company you are applying for, focusing on any relevant qualifications and experience.
There are plenty of roles and careers available to those with a scientific background, including:
Chemists - inorganic/organic/formulation
Biochemistry
Biotech and biomedical
Microbiology
Laboratory staff technicians and managers
Technical, quality assurance and regulatory affairs
New product development
Looking for a career change? Contact our team now.
There are a variety of skills that employers look for in scientific candidates, the trick is making sure they come across in an interview and on your CV. If you have a degree or relevant experience, this will provide you with subject-specific and transferable skills – such as communication, research and interpersonal skills – but make sure you can reflect on what they are, and where you gained them.
These skills can help you to demonstrate your competence, creativity and reliability. You can also try to show your commercial awareness, resilience and self-management abilities to stand out from other candidates when applying for scientific roles.
Find a Reed office
Our national coverage allows us to offer a recruitment service tailored to your needs, with accurate local market intelligence on salaries, competitors and the best professionals who can help your business thrive.