BW S&T Hair Appearance and Array Scientist

We are pleased to present a professional review of the Hair Appearance and Array Scientist opportunity within Unilever's Beauty & Wellbeing division. This role offers a compelling chance for aspiring scientists to make a significant impact on the future of hair care innovation.

Unlocking Innovation: The Role of a Hair Appearance and Array Scientist

This position sits at the forefront of scientific advancement within Unilever's €13.2 billion Beauty & Wellbeing business. The core mission is to develop breakthrough technologies and differentiated innovations that meet and anticipate consumer desires. You will be instrumental in shaping the future of hair care by focusing on the development and application of advanced hair appearance, colour, and texture measurement techniques. This isn't just about measuring; it's about generating new insights, engaging consumers in novel ways, and pioneering digital engagement tools to empower technology development.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Career Path: This role provides a direct line to influencing product development for leading global brands. You'll be shaping strategies and defining measurement methodologies that directly impact the competitive edge of Unilever's hair care portfolio.
• Pioneering Technologies: You will be at the cutting edge of applying image analysis, machine vision, and digital tools to understand and enhance hair appearance. The emphasis on digital opportunities and the integration with Unilever's DataLab offers a chance to be a digital transformation leader.
• Global Technical Leadership: This position offers the opportunity to provide technical leadership to global teams in appearance measurement, fostering collaboration and driving excellence across diverse markets.
• Strategic Influence: You will play a key part in defining and implementing the strategy for appearance measurement and technology for the hair category. This involves identifying opportunities, communicating vision to stakeholders, and ensuring successful delivery.
• Collaborative Environment: The role encourages collaboration with internal Science & Technology, Hair, and Consumer Technical Insights teams, as well as external partners, creating a rich learning and networking environment.
• Focus on Growth and Development: Unilever is committed to employee growth and development, offering a supportive environment where individuals can thrive. The mention of flexible working options further enhances work-life integration possibilities.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Educational Foundation: A Master's degree in a relevant science area (physics, computing, materials, or similar) is required, with a PhD being preferred. This highlights the need for a strong academic grounding.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated expertise in scientific computing (e.g., Python or similar) is crucial, along with experience in programming for analysis and application into digital tools. Experience with modelling, machine learning, and AI is highly desirable.
• Experience in Appearance Science: Prior experience in image analysis, machine vision, appearance, colour, and texture science, particularly in a capability-building capacity, is preferred.
• Research and Analytical Skills: A strong understanding of research methodologies, including literature review, patent analysis, analytical tools, modelling, and panel studies, is essential.
• Leadership and Influence: The ability to influence stakeholders with actionable recommendations, present complex information clearly to senior management, and manage external collaborations is key to success.
• Adaptability: The role demands flexibility to meet shifting priorities and the ability to independently provide solutions to challenges.
• Relocation (if applicable): For candidates applying from outside the UK, it's important to note that relocation costs may need to be self-funded, with potential for partial reimbursement of pre-approved expenses.

In Summary:

The Hair Appearance and Array Scientist role at Unilever is an exceptional opportunity for a scientifically driven individual looking to advance their career in a dynamic and purpose-led organization. It offers the chance to contribute to meaningful innovation, lead technical strategies, and leverage cutting-edge digital capabilities. Candidates with a strong scientific background, a passion for appearance science, and a desire to make a tangible impact will find this role particularly rewarding.