Overview
Job title: Senior Research Scientist – Microstructure Characterisation
Location: Materials Innovation Factory (MIF), Port Sunlight Labs
Work Level: 1RH5
Responsibilities
* Deliver impact from the understanding of complex microstructures in complex liquids and soft-matter to drive superior technology delivery for Personal Care growth.
* Own functional expertise and deploy it to generate data that supports insights on the relationship between microstructures, chemistry, and product performance.
* Develop protocols for chemical, analytical, physical, and soft-matter characterisation; apply these protocols to project and programme deliverables. Define sample preparation and presentation strategies.
* Coach internal users and external operators to perform routine analyses correctly with fast escalation paths.
* Own custodianship of complex instruments in chromatographic and mass spectrometry techniques. Coordinate maintenance schedules with 3rd party suppliers, manage user access, calibrations, and quality audit records. Troubleshoot protocol development or adjustments to current protocols.
* Manage relationships with external suppliers and 3rd parties to maintain instruments, obtain technical support on method development, and procure the right consumables.
Safety and Sustainability
* Ensure all work complies with Unilever health, safety and wellbeing policies and sustainable targets to meet high standards.
* Hold teams (internal and external) and themselves accountable for working to these standards.
Competencies
* Scientific problem solving at pace; selects the right technique(s), develops measurement protocols, and proposes solutions for complex materials and environments.
* Technical depth and curiosity across multiple disciplines to obtain insights with reliable sensitivity and robustness.
* Data rigor and traceability; captures and analyses data at high volumes methodically.
* Custodianship and safety; maintains shared assets in a compliant and reliable state.
Skills/Experience
* PhD / Engineering Doctorate (or equivalent by experience) in Materials Sciences, Chemistry or closely related discipline, with core expertise in x-ray diffraction techniques (SAXS/SANS/WAXS) and awareness of complementary characterisation techniques. Experience in characterisation of complex liquids and/or soft solids and microstructure.
* Evidence of developing protocols and physical models using SAXS/SANS/WAXS and complementary techniques to elucidate drivers of microstructure changes with chemistry, concentration, processing and applications.
* Evidence of developing protocols and physical models using GC/LC methods (e.g., GC-IMS, MS) and related. Willingness to develop knowledge in other chromatographic techniques.
* Evidence of self-leadership: managing own workload, prioritising with stakeholders, proposing hypotheses and pursuing them.
* Experience in an industrial research environment or in collaboration with industrial sponsors, delivering tangible results through complex characterisation methods.
* Desirable: data analytics and coding abilities (e.g., Python, JMP).
* Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead and deliver through others.
Notes
Please apply via this portal as email applications may not be processed. Include your Future Fit Plan if possible.
By applying for this vacancy, you confirm that you have informed your Line Manager and that you are at a career stage appropriate to apply for other positions at Unilever.
What we offer
While the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we are open to discussing flexible working options. We strive for a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to create possibilities for all.
Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion and growth. We embrace diversity in our workforce and are committed to fair consideration for all applicants and ongoing development of all employees, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity. We provide reasonable adjustments during the application and interview process to enable you to present your best self. For more information, including Employee Resource Groups, please see Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
#J-18808-Ljbffr