Ice Cream Digital and Data – Data Science and AI Expert

Job Title: Ice Cream Digital and Data – Data Science and AI Expert Location: Colworth Science Park Background Info The job holder will be a member of the Ice Cream Modelling and Analytics team which is part of the Digital and Data group within the Ice Cream Research, Design and Innovation (RD&I) organisation. The team is focused on developing and utilizing the latest digital technologies to foster a data-driven decision-making culture, which in turn will deliver faster and superior innovation, to support the growth of the Ice Cream Company. JOB PURPOSE This role will be instrumental in advancing our AI-driven RD&I strategy, leveraging big data, machine learning, and advanced analytics to optimize product formulation, consumer experience, and manufacturing processes. The job holder will work at the intersection of data science, AI, and food science, contributing to the digital transformation of ice cream innovation by analysing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and integrating AI into the product design pipeline. RESPONSIBILITIES Build predictive models and AI-driven simulations to optimize formulation, texture, and stability of ice cream products. Apply machine learning, deep learning, and computer vision techniques to analyse sensory data, consumer preferences, and manufacturing conditions. Develop recommendation systems for ingredient selection, processing conditions, and formulation adjustments. Fine-tune AI models to predict ice cream melting behaviour, texture, flavour release, and cold chain stability Use natural language processing (NLP) and generative AI to analyse consumer feedback and identify emerging trends Develop digital twins and simulation models to replicate and optimize ice cream production conditions and consumer preference of our ice cream products Work closely with food scientists, RD&I product developers and factory teams to translate AI-driven insights into tangible business value. Partner with external research institutions and AI startups to explore cutting-edge technologies to drive productivity in RD&I Communicate findings and technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. ALL ABOUT YOU Key requirements & experience Master or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. Experience in AI, machine learning, or big data analytics, preferably in FMCG, food science, or manufacturing. Hands-on experience in AI-driven product design, predictive modelling, or IoT-based data analytics is highly desirable Programming: Strong proficiency in Python (preferred), R, or Julia for AI and data analytics. Big Data & Cloud Computing: Experience with AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, Databricks, or Snowflake. Machine Learning & AI: Proficiency in frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, and Hugging Face. Data Engineering: Experience with Spark, SQL, Kafka, or Airflow for big data processing. Statistical Analysis & Experimentation: Familiarity with Bayesian modelling, DOE (Design of Experiments), and multivariate analysis will be an asset Visualization & Reporting: Proficiency in Power BI, Tableau, or Streamlit will be an asset but not required Key Standards of Leadership Purpose and Service Agility Passion for High Performance Key Interfaces IC RD&I project and workstream leaders and team members RD&I Digital and Data group Academic partners External Technology companies NOTES About Unilever Unilever is one of the world leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle. Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That why our purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’ What We Offer Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment. Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all. Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever | Unilever. Recruitment Fraud Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs.  These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate. How is Unilever tackling this? Many of Unilever recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down. What can I do? If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat. Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key! Better Business. Better World. Better You. 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