NEXT GENERATION MATERIAL DISCOVERY MICROBIOLOGIST
Unilever Bebington, England, United Kingdom
Overview
Join to apply for the NEXT GENERATION MATERIAL DISCOVERY MICROBIOLOGIST role at Unilever.
Location: Unilever R&D Port Sunlight (close to Liverpool and Chester) with travel to Materials Innovation Factory (University of Liverpool), UK.
Job Purpose: Unilever is a global leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry, renowned for its brands. We are looking for a Next Generation Material Discovery Microbiologist to support a strategic preservation project across PC, B&W and HC business, ensuring products are microbiologically safe by design. The role supports evaluation and testing of future-fit preservation systems under the P2.0 strategic programme, enabling innovation and sustainability across all three BGs.
This role is part of the Preservation and Applied Microbiology team, providing a global technical expertise centre to support the Global PC, B&W and HC Design and Deploy business in partnership with regional laboratories. Microbiological expertise covers formulation and process design, microbiological methods and supply chain hygiene.
Key interfaces include Global Microbiology teams, R&D Formulation, Science & Technology, Global Quality, Digital R&D, Supply Chain Procurement, SERS, Chemical Suppliers, and 3P Measurement Laboratories. Interfaces enable collaboration and communication across departments and external partners, facilitating safe-by-design development and management of raw materials and finished products.
The role involves delivering testing under “Preservation 2.0”. Key pillars include Digital Preservation, New Preservative Material Discovery, End to End Preservation Systems, and Advocacy on Preservation in the industry. The role also includes laboratory-based work to perform microbial testing and develop new methodologies for R&D. Travel between the R&D PSL site and MIF facility in Liverpool University is required.
Responsibilities
* Work on all related projects for Preservation 2.0 strategic programme.
* Work on projects and activities for PC products preservation.
* Identify and evaluate novel preservative systems and materials for diverse product formats and formulations.
* Member of the Global Preservation and Applied Microbiology Skill Base.
* Design and execute experimental work to support discovery, screening, and validation of new preservation technologies.
* Develop and apply microbiological methods and digital tools to assess preservatives and chemicals efficacy.
* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials into formulation and processing workflows across all BGs.
* Execute practical work/tests/trials at laboratory scale.
Main Accountabilities
* Perform laboratory testing to evaluate efficacy of novel preservation materials for PC, B&W, and HC products.
* Perform practical work to evaluate preservative efficacy and ad hoc testing for PC products.
* Capture and manage data using digital platforms, ensuring traceability and reproducibility across BGs.
* Coordinate screening and evaluation of new technologies, working with internal and external partners.
* Administer samples, review data, and gather insights to support material discovery across multiple product categories.
* Conduct microbiological analysis through in-house testing or third-party labs.
* Perform microbiology methods such as Challenge Tests, TVC, Gram staining, and identification techniques.
* Contribute to the scientific development of the Microbiology skill base, with a focus on innovation and discovery.
* Support hygiene assessments for manufacturing processes involving new materials across BGs.
About You
* Educational Background: Degree in Microbiology, Bioscience, or related Life Sciences.
* Experience: Previous experience in microbiological methods, experimental design, basic microbiology and laboratory techniques, and microbiology identification methods. Experience in material screening or discovery is a plus.
* Skills: Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and proficiency in digital tools (Excel, Word, Outlook). Familiarity with data analysis and digital lab platforms is desirable.
Your Personal Qualities
* Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse and interpret complex data related to microbial experiments.
* Collaboration: Strong ability to work across teams and with external partners.
* Organisational Skills: Excellent organisational skills to manage and maintain detailed records and documentation.
* Proactive Mindset: Results-driven, pragmatic, and able to prioritise effectively under tight timelines.
Notes
Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications may not be processed. Include your Future Fit Plan if possible. By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have informed your Line Manager and that it is appropriate for you to apply for other positions within Unilever.
What We Offer
Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we are happy to discuss possible flexible working options. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to create possibilities for all. Diversity at Unilever means inclusion and equal opportunity for all applicants, with reasonable adjustments during the application process available upon request.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion statements are provided where applicable in job postings. For more information, please refer to Unilever's Equity, Diversity & Inclusion resources.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
* Manufacturing
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