PRESERVATION AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY P2.0 INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGIST

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

Job Title: PRESERVATION AND APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY P2.0 INDUSTRIAL MICROBIOLOGIST

Location: Port Sunlight Research Lab

Work-Level: RH3

Unilever is a global leader in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods industry, renowned for its powerful brands such as Surf, Persil, Cif, Dove, Axe, Lipton, Vaseline, Suave, and Ben & Jerry’s. We develop products that enhance and improve people's lives today while also addressing the evolving environmental challenges of tomorrow, with the goal of making sustainable living a common practice. Unilever is dedicated to bringing purpose, joy, and delightful experiences to both consumers and customers.  

JOB PURPOSE

We are looking for an industrial Microbiologist who will be responsible to support a strategic preservation project across our HC, B&W & PC business in ensuring products of today and the future are microbiologically safe by design. The successful candidate would support with the evaluation and testing of future-fit preservation systems under the P2.0 strategic programme.

The purpose of the Microbiology preservation team is to provide a global technical expertise centre to support the Global Design and Deploy business in partnership with regional sister laboratories in other parts of the world.

Microbiological expertise is provided on formulation and process design, microbiological methods and supply chain hygiene. A further aim is to drive operational efficiencies and global ways of working with our sister laboratories 

Key interfaces for this role include the Global Microbiology teams, R&D Formulation team, Science & Technology team, Global Quality, Digital R&D, Supply Chain Procurement, SERS, Chemical Suppliers, and 3P Measurement Laboratories. These interfaces are essential for ensuring effective collaboration and communication across various departments and external partners, facilitating the safe by design development and management of raw material and finished products.  

The role involves delivering all testing required under “Preservation 2.0”. Key pillars of work include Digital Preservation, New Preservative Material Discovery, End to End Preservation Systems and Advocacy on Preservation in our industry. The role also encompasses laboratory-based work to perform Microbial testing and developing new methodologies for R&D. The role involves travel between the R&D PSL site and MIF facility in Liverpool University.   

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work on all related projects for Preservation 2.0 strategic programme.   
• Works on projects and activities for HC, products preservation.  

• Member of the Global Preservation and Applied microbiology Skill Base. 

• Trial and delivers experimental data to support insights, techniques and technologies for improvements in manufacturing microbiology/hygiene, cleaning, microbiological safety.  

• Execution of practical work/tests/trials at laboratory scale. 

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Perform practical work to evaluate preservative efficacy and ad hoc testing for P2.0 strategic programme.
• Perform practical work to evaluate preservative efficacy and ad hoc testing for HC products.

• Data capture – ensure all data is generated and logged using the latest digital tools available for HC, B&W and PC products.  

• Coordinate the evaluation of existing and new preservation technologies across HC, B&W and PC to ensure products are safe by design from a formulation/preservation and processing perspective, working as part of multi-disciplinary project team. 

• Sample administration, Data review & knowledge gathering HC, B&W and PC and products.  

• Microbiological analysis of HC, B&W and PC and products through third party or by performing testing.  

• Performing laboratory testing for microbiology methods like Challenge test, TVC, Gram staining.  

• Contribute to the practical aspects of the scientific component of the Microbiology skill-base. 

• Set up experiments and perform practical work for manufacturing microbiology hygiene.  

ALL ABOUT YOU

• Educational Background: A degree in Microbiology/Bioscience   

• Experience: Previous experience in Microbiology methods, Experimental design capability, Basic Microbiology and Laboratory Techniques, Microbiology identification methods 

• Skills: Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in IT programmes such as Excel, Word, and Outlook. 

Previous roles in biosciences, microbiology. Degree level or equivalent academic background in Life science/biological is optimal. 

YOUR PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyse and interpret complex data related to raw materials. 

• Collaboration: Strong ability to work collaboratively with suppliers and internal teams. 

• Organisational Skills: Excellent organisational skills to manage and maintain detailed records and documentation. 

• Pro-active mind-set: Keen to demonstrate delivery and seek pragmatic solutions with an ability to set priorities and to work to tight deadlines 

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 Kyron Dias on Kyron.Dias@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.