Safety Scientist - Microbiology

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date. Job Title: Safety Scientist - Microbiology Location: Colworth R&D, Sharnbrook UK – hybrid Work-Level: 2A JOB PURPOSE At Unilever, we are committed to developing safe & sustainable products for our consumers. As a Microbiology Safety Scientist in our Safety, Environmental & Regulatory (SERS) team, you will provide microbiology expertise through the application of both traditional microbiological safety risk assessment and more complex approaches/frameworks to assure the microbiological safety of Unilever innovations and products (Personal Care, Beauty & Wellbeing, Home Care & Foods). You will be joining a team of safety scientists, where you will be supported in your own development and learn new risk assessment approaches. You will also have the opportunity to play a role in leading the development of these novel approaches, bringing robust, new science to our microbiological safety assessments, supporting both current and future needs of Unilever. In this exciting role, you will work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate with a diverse range of internal and external partners and scientists, working for a successful global company that is focussed on providing superior brands and products to brighten everyday life for all. The role is based in the dynamic environment of our SERS team at Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook located near Bedford. Please note: this is not a lab-based role. RESPONSIBILITIES We are looking for a talented and experienced Microbiological Safety Risk Assessor to join our SERS team to: Deliver transparent, well-documented microbiological risk assessments to SERS project teams to enable robust decision-making and communicate the outcomes internally and to business partners, providing guidance on risk management where necessary. Apply more complex risk assessment approaches/frameworks to ensure the safety of novel technologies with regard, for example, to antimicrobial resistance or changes in the human microbiome. Use digital tools and systems to support the microbiological risk assessments and for their capture. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders internal and external to Unilever, e.g. business partners, academic partners. Lead the development of microbiological safety science through internal work or external collaborations, delivering to the current and future needs of Unilever business. ALL ABOUT YOU You’ll need to be able to work effectively and with impact in cross-disciplinary teams and in multi-cultural environments, be flexible and willing to adapt within a fast-changing business environment. We would expect the successful candidate to have: Minimum of BSc graduate qualification (or equivalent) in Microbiology (or similar relevant subject, if combined with microbiology-specific modules or experience) Knowledge of microbiological risk assessment and proven experience of its application in an industrial context (for Personal Care/Beauty & Wellbeing, Home Care and Foods). Proven experience in leading scientific research projects/sub-projects, with good evidence of leadership and delivery through partnerships Knowledge of microbial ecology, host-microbe interactions, microbial physiology and clinical features of pathogenic microorganisms (relevant to Personal Care/Beauty & Wellbeing, Home Care and Foods) Knowledge of mechanisms of action of antimicrobials and issues around antimicrobial resistance An understanding of the human microbiome (including gut, skin, oral) and methods used to study it Excellent written & verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to technical and non-technical audiences Evidence of a creative, problem-solving mindset An ability to use digital tools and systems High self-motivation, with the ability to collaborate effectively in interdisciplinary teams Desirable Ability to analyse and interpret complex microbiome data. Post graduate experience or a higher degree/qualification (e.g., PhD) Location Colworth is a vibrant scientific community with around 500 Unilever employees from 33 nationalities, with 88 PhDs, 8 Professors, and 40 apprentices. On site there are various facilities including a restaurant, gym, and a nursery. There are many social and recreational activities to take part in such as going for a lunchtime walk or run in the beautiful surrounding countryside, the Colworth Striders, and Colworth Cats netball team to name just a few. London with all its attractions is a short 40-minute train ride from Bedford. NOTES Please apply via this portal as e-mail applications may not be processed and include your Future Fit Plan if possible. By applying for this vacancy, you are confirming that you have made your Line Manager aware of your application and that you are at a point in your career with Unilever where it is appropriate for you to be applying for other positions.   Should you require additional information or reasonable adjustments to allow you to present your best self during this process, please contact your Talent Partner Daniel Quinn on Daniel.Quinn@unilever.com  What we offer 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 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 (unilever.com). Relocation to the UK Please be aware if you are applying for this role from outside the UK, if successful, your application will be treated as a self-initiated Change Location Outside of Country (CLOC) transfer. This means any relocation costs must be self-funded with the potential to reclaim some specific pre-approved expenses up to £5,000. Please speak to your Talent Partner if you have any questions. 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.