Senior Automation Engineer reference: R-1167937

Senior Automation Scientist: Drive Innovation at the Forefront of Consumer Science

Are you a passionate and innovative scientist or engineer with a flair for automation and a desire to shape the future of consumer products? This Senior Automation Scientist position at Unilever offers a compelling opportunity to join a world-class Science & Technology team dedicated to delivering breakthrough innovations in the Beauty & Wellbeing division.

This role is situated across two dynamic environments: the renowned Unilever R&D Port Sunlight site, conveniently located near Liverpool and Chester, and the cutting-edge Materials Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool. This unique blend of industry and academic collaboration provides an exceptional platform for professional growth and impact.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Influence and Leadership: You will have the chance to significantly influence and lead within an environment that is investing heavily in state-of-the-art digital facilities and automation. This is your opportunity to leave your mark on how innovation is achieved.
• Cutting-Edge Technology: Gain hands-on experience with advanced digital facilities, including the Materials Innovation Factory, and contribute to the development and deployment of automated laboratories across global sites.
• Data-Driven Innovation: Drive product innovation by utilizing lab and pilot-scale equipment to generate robust data sets, test hypotheses, and build sophisticated data-driven models.
• Expand Research Horizons: Play a crucial role in expanding research capabilities by focusing on the application of automation, digital methods, and innovative in-silico approaches.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with diverse, cross-functional teams, fostering seamless transitions of new product innovations from concept to market. This broad exposure will enhance your understanding of the entire product lifecycle.
• Strategic Contribution: Lead your own project work, deliver results through personal effort and collaboration with others (including external partners), and actively contribute to the technical strategy of workstreams.
• Flexible Working: Unilever is committed to fostering a family-friendly and inclusive workplace, and this role offers the opportunity to discuss flexible working arrangements.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Unilever strongly believes in equity, diversity, and inclusion, creating possibilities for all employees to grow and thrive. They are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the application and interview process.

Key Considerations for Prospective Candidates:

• Educational Foundation: A BSc/MSc or equivalent research background in physical sciences or engineering is required, with a strong emphasis on automation, machine learning, and/or other modeling techniques. A PhD or EngD is highly desirable, indicating a deeper level of specialized knowledge.
• Digital Methods Expertise: A proven track record in developing and applying digital methods, particularly in the areas of automation, High Throughput Experimentation (HTE), or advanced data management, is essential.
• Formulated Products Knowledge (Desirable): While not mandatory, knowledge of formulated products from a colloid science or process science perspective would be a significant asset, allowing for a more immediate impact in certain areas.
• External Network Building (Desirable): Experience in building and leveraging an external network encompassing academia, SMEs, and large-scale partners can be highly beneficial for collaborative innovation.
• Project Delivery and Teamwork: The ability to deliver practical work to deadlines both independently and as part of an agile, flexible team is a prerequisite. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills are fundamental to success in this role.
• Travel: The role requires approximately 5% travel.

This Senior Automation Scientist position is an exciting gateway for individuals looking to advance their careers in a dynamic, research-intensive environment. If you are driven by innovation, possess strong analytical and technical skills, and are eager to contribute to world-leading consumer brands, this opportunity at Unilever is well worth exploring.