Recruitment Services
Different hires need different approaches. VRS Recruitment offers four flexible service models across our specialist scientific sectors: contingent recruitment, exclusive recruitment, retained search and recruitment projects.
Whether you need permanent or contract recruitment for a single vacancy, a dedicated partner for a critical hire, retained search for a senior appointment, or support with a larger recruitment project, we tailor our approach to the requirement.
Whichever service you choose, you’ll work with recruiters who understand your scientific market and qualify candidates beyond job titles and keywords - looking at the techniques, experience and transferable skills that really matter.
Our Services
Permanent and contract recruitment, with no upfront commitment.
Our flexible recruitment service for individual hires, giving you access to VRS’s established network of scientists and industry professionals across our specialist markets.
We recruit permanent scientists at every career stage, from graduates securing their first industry role through to experienced technical specialists and senior appointments. We also provide contract and interim recruitment for project-based work, maternity cover, validation projects and short-term technical support.
- Permanent, contract and interim recruitment
- Access to our established specialist scientific networks
- Candidate sourcing, thorough technical screening and shortlisting
- Support across our specialist scientific sectors
- No upfront fee - you only pay when we successfully place someone
- Support throughout the interview, offer and onboarding process
Info for you
What’s the difference between contingent and exclusive recruitment?
With contingent recruitment, VRS may work alongside other agencies and there’s no upfront commitment; you pay a fee when we successfully place someone. With exclusive recruitment, VRS is your sole recruitment partner. That allows us to dedicate more time and resource to the search, including proactive sourcing and targeted headhunting, while giving you one point of contact and a consistent approach to the market.
Both models include the same thorough technical screening and VRS service - the difference is the level of focus and resource we can commit to the search.
How does VRS handle IR35 for contract recruitment?
For contract assignments where IR35 applies, we work with the client to ensure the appropriate status determination and working arrangements are established before the assignment begins.
We’ll discuss the engagement model with you at brief stage and make sure both the client and contractor understand the agreed arrangements, including any requirements around PAYE, umbrella or limited company working.
If you’re unsure how IR35 affects a particular contract requirement, talk to us and we can work through the appropriate recruitment arrangements with you.
What's the typical contract assignment length?
There really isn’t one! Contract assignments vary depending on the requirement, from shorter-term projects, to maternity cover and longer-term assignments supporting major programmes or periods of growth.
We’ll agree the expected contract length with you at briefing stage, but we know plans can change. Where appropriate, assignments can be extended to reflect the needs of the business.
When does retained search make sense?
Retained search is particularly valuable for senior, specialist, confidential or business-critical appointments. It can also be the right approach when the candidate pool is particularly small, targeted headhunting is required, or previous recruitment attempts haven’t delivered.
Working on a retained basis allows us to commit dedicated time and resource to market mapping, research and direct approaches, with a structured search process agreed from the outset.
We recruit scientists across the UK, Europe and North America. From our Paris office, we support scientific recruitment throughout Europe, with regular opportunities in France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Belgium and the Nordic countries. Our US office covers analytical chemistry recruitment across North America, too! Wherever we’re recruiting, you’ll get the same specialist, science-led VRS approach.
