Research Scientist – Biochemist & Molecular biologist

Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.

Job Title: Research Scientist – Biochemist & Molecular biologist

Business Function: R&D

Location: United Kingdom - Kings College London – Lab based

Travel: Yes, up to 5% of the time

Description: Permanent

Reports to: David Messenger

JOB PURPOSE

The Science and Technology (S&T) pillar in Unilever is charged with the delivery of breakthrough technologies and differentiated innovations to meet the needs of our consumers around the world, alongside developing new functional ingredients for our leading brands.

S&T Biosciences is a platform for investigating the biological mechanisms that underpin key consumer phenotypes to generate new technologies for the next generation of products and providing novel insights to support superior claims in the marketplace for Unilever’s Beauty and Wellbeing (B&W) category.

As part of the hybrid Ecosystem to support this work, a Unilever Bioscience Hub has been established at King’s College London’s Guys’ Campus. The main purpose of the Hub is to enable Unilever scientists to work alongside globally recognised experts in the Bioscience field, allowing access to world-leading scientific expertise and technical capability.

An opportunity has arisen in the S&T Biosciences team for a B.Sc. qualified scientist to join our team at King’s College London. The role is ideally suited to an energetic, self-motivated, resourceful research scientist with a track record in meticulous laboratory work, with good people and communication skills. A background in biochemistry and molecular biology is essential with experience of primary cell culture experiments strongly preferred; knowledge of skin biology is an added advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme support: As part of the Biosciences S&T programme, play leading role in running biochemical assays, molecular biology techniques and cell culture to support all project workstreams.
• External networks and resources: Help leverage the best of both academia and industry, including assessing and working with independent biological service providers, to support the development of new technologies and capabilities. Contribute to developing the Unilever Hub within the University.
• Science capability build: Build knowledge and capabilities to generate next generation assays and models in the area of skin biology, drawing on world class expertise at KCL.
• Business relationships: Build and maintain effective working relationships with international project teams and stakeholders in Biosciences, as well as the wider business.
• People/Skills Development: Be proactive, energetic, self-motivated, with ability to work in a team.  A personable team player with a meticulous approach to laboratory work to deliver the biochemical and molecular biology focussed Biosciences agenda and capitalise on the opportunities of the Hub.

Skills/Experience/Qualifications

• A degree (minimum B.Sc.) in a biological subject is essential.
• Experience of biochemical and molecular biology laboratory techniques such as ELISA and qPCR is essential.
• Demonstrable experience in generating robust and reproducible data, preferable including from clinical samples.
• Experience of cell culture experiments with primary cells is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of skin biology is an added advantage.
• Proven ability to work within teams in biological research is essential, with industrial experience an added advantage.
• A strong interest in translational research and industrial R&D, particularly in relation to Beauty and Wellbeing.
• Ability to effectively balance multiple concurrent activities and deliver to established deadlines.
• Attention to detail.
• Meticulous record keeping.
• Computer literate.
• Experience in statistical analyses is desirable (however, training will also be provided).
• Fluent spoken and written English.

Standard of Leadership

• Passion for high performance
• Agility
• Purpose and Service

NOTES

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s 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’s, 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’s 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’s 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!