R&D SCL Global B&H Liquid Formulator

JOB TITLE:  R&D SCL Global B&H Liquid Formulator

REPORTS TO: Global Product Development Manager, GDC Skin Cleansing B&H liquids capability, Bangalore

PRIMARY LOCATION: Unilever R&D Bangalore

FUNCTION: Research/Development

SCHEDULE: Full-time

SHIFT: Day Job

TRAVEL:  Yes, 20% of the Time 

DESCRIPTION:

Unilever leads the market in the Skin Cleansing category, boasting a turnover of approximately €5 billion and experiencing consistent growth over the years. The GDC Skin Cleansing B&H capability team, based in Mumbai and Bangalore, oversees the global design for some of Unilever's fastest-growing brands: Lux, Lifebuoy, and AXE. The responsibilities include developing new chassis with future surfactants to meet Unilever's sustainability commitments on NDPE and GHG, enhancing the value equation of current products, and managing specifications for product manufacturing and quality.

The current job description is for Research Associate/Product Development Work Stream Leader (1B) position reporting into a R&D Global Product Development Manager, GDC Skin Cleansing B&H capability team. Work stream leader (WSL) is a key member of the project team. A key milestone of a large project is assigned to the WSL, and he/she is accountable for its completion OTIF. The progress is reviewed by the LM/ TPL on day-to-day basis and once in a month formal review by group director. 

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

It is expected that the candidate, during his/her work, will need to deliver the following:

• Develop & Deliver product solutions based on scientific understanding of formulation principles as needed by the business, articulated as an outcome of Project teamwork.

• Carry out lab and pilot plant trials along with stability studies and develop processes to manufacture product solution developed at commercial end.

• Collect, interpret, and document data from experiments, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.

• Candidate is expected to use appropriate literature / patent / competition / supplier searches related to the projects.

• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and documentation of research findings Communicate and work closely with global team to incorporate new technologies into product

• He/ She will leverage digital tools to minimize experiments, maximize output & speed up program delivery 

• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory guidelines in all R&D activities.

KEY INTERFACES:

Require close working with large global and regional contacts- development managers, TPLs, MET managers, Fragrance managers, Finance, Supply Chain, claims managers, cross functional GDC & RDC team, GDC and RDC Directors, R&D VP & GBVP to deliver results

Lateral contacts: strategic suppliers like Givaudan, Firmenich, and open innovation, Academia and procurement, supply chain, SERS  

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a master’s in chemistry

• Basic knowledge of formulation science and material properties.

• In depth understanding of formulations, colloidal & interfacial science is must.

• Very good understanding on the chemistry of the surfactants including carbon chain differences, head group and their impact on foam and viscosity building

• Hands-on experience with lab equipment and experimental techniques for formulation development & performance evaluation –

  • Equilibrium, Dynamic surface tension measurements, Foam tests using various tests – Dynamic foam analysis, Cylinder shake methods

• Understanding on the mildness of various surfactants and principles of mildness assessment

• Understanding on the salt curve and viscosity building of Liquid formulations

• Basic knowledge on polymers in the personal care products & their mechanism of viscosity building and suspending ability of opacifiers, particles

• Understanding on the difference in the foamability of different surfactants

•  0-2 years of experience in research & development or related fields (including internships).

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to design experiments, interpret data, and generate hypotheses.

• Proficiency with digital tools and modelling(optional).

• Skilled in data analysis and documentation.

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion 

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all walks of life! 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.