Hair Fibre Scientist

Job Title: Hair Fibre Scientist Schedule: Full-time Primary Location: United Kingdom-United Kingdom (Country level)-Bebington-Port Sunlight Research Lab/ Materials Innovation Factory, MIF (University of Liverpool) Shift: Day Job Job: Research/Development Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time DESCRIPTION Hair Fibre Scientist Function: R&D – S&T, Beauty and Wellbeing, Physical & Chemical Sciences Work Level: 1 RH4 or RH5 Location: Materials Innovation Factory, MIF (University of Liverpool) and Port Sunlight R&D, Port Sunlight Hiring Manager: Richard Barfoot JOB PURPOSE: Unilever Beauty & Wellbeing is a €13 billion business, driven by purpose, science and desire. The role of the Science and Technology (S&T) pillar in Beauty & Wellbeing is to deliver desirable breakthrough technologies and differentiated innovations to meet the desires and preferences of our consumers around the world. We are developing new materials to provide functional benefits that outperform the competition, meet our sustainability targets, and build equity for our leading brands. B&W S&T Physical & Chemical Sciences employs materials chemistry and physics to cosmetically modify, repair, or enhance the body substrates. There is an increasing need to clearly demonstrate how our products interact with consumers to provide these benefits. An opportunity has arisen for a degree-qualified scientist to join our team, working in the area of Hair Fibre Science across the Materials Innovation Factory and Port Sunlight R&D sites. The primary purpose of this role is to develop and apply mechanical and physical chemistry measurement techniques for evaluating and predicting benefits for B&W hair care technologies. The successful applicant will be part of a team developing exciting new technologies and evaluation methods to generate insights and support project delivery. Candidates should have a background in physical sciences, materials science, polymer physics, or biophysics. The role is ideally suited to an energetic, self-motivated, and resourceful research scientist with strong interpersonal and practical laboratory skills. Previous experience working in a research team, either in academia or industry, and in creating new measurement methodologies with proven business impact, would be beneficial. The role requires working across multidisciplinary project teams, where members contribute to achieving a common goal. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: • Identify and translate business needs into technical hypotheses and integrate them into the activities of the research team. • Shape and deliver work programs according to agreed timelines and in compliance with all safety and operational protocols, to evaluate technologies that change hair fibre properties and deliver consumer benefits. • Development of hair fibre measurement tools/methods and associated data analysis. • Ensure critical equipment remains operational by following SOPs, troubleshooting issues, and engaging with instrument suppliers and engineers. • Coordinate work with external partners, including supervising contract staff and collaborating with academic experts. • Keep accurate records of samples, experimental progress, and data. • Analyse data and communicate results, utilising digital tools to maximize the impact of datasets • Interpret outcomes and relate them to hair fibre structure, making recommendations to support technology development. • Deliver verbal and written communication of results, key insights, developments, and observations to project teams and stakeholders. SKILLS/EXPERIENCE: • BSc, MSc or PhD in a relevant science area (physical sciences, materials science, polymer physics or biophysics). • Strong evidence of experience in either (a) applying experimental techniques to test material hypotheses and/or (b) developing new methodologies to support emerging scientific or business areas. • Experience in adapting to develop novel methodologies and applying them to generate new business insights. • Working knowledge of good experimental design (including DoE) approaches is preferable, as well as the ability to extract insights and conclusions from results. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey scientific and project findings to audiences with varied backgrounds. • Knowledge of hair fibre structure and mechanics, and an understanding of hair care formulations. Experience in coaching or mentoring others. Standards of Leadership: Passion for High Performance Personal Mastery Agility Purpose and Service NOTES At Unilever, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive/succeed. All applicants will receive fair and respectful consideration, and we actively support the growth and development of every employee. ARE YOU INTERESTED? Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications will not be processed. By applying to this role, you are confirming that you have informed your Line Manager and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.   We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment journey. Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner We are one of the world largest consumer goods companies with amazing brands, dynamic people and a sustainable vision. We meet everyday needs for nutrition, hygiene and personal care with brands that help people feel good, look good and get more out of life. If you are ambitious, keen to learn and want lo lead, you have come to the right place. Explore our website and apply to be part of a company with more than 400 brands used by over two billion people everyday.