JOB TITLE: Experimental Physical Scientist
JOB LOCATION: Unilever UK, Colworth
DEPARTMENT: R&D
RELOCATION TERMS: Local terms only
SALARY: £25,700.00 - £32,100.00
Background:
The job holder will be a member of the Soft Matter Science expertise team in Unilever R&D Discover. This team aims to apply fundamental knowledge in physical chemistry, materials and colloid science and product microstructure to develop new technologies and solve technical problems arising in the business. An important focus for Discover Colworth is the Refreshment category (Ice cream and Beverages), and research in this area involves product microstructure, texture and processing. This encompasses a wide range of physical phenomena, such as aeration, crystallization, emulsification, phase behaviour and rheology.
Within this group, we are looking for a scientist at WL 1C with expertise in the area of physical chemistry, colloid or materials science, and a willingness to apply this knowledge to practical problems and the development of new technologies, at laboratory and pilot scale.
Main Job Purpose:
This role will centre on the development of new microstructures for enhanced ice cream storage stability, mechanical properties, and other aspects of in-mouth texture. However, it is also expected that the job holder will contribute to other projects in the ice cream and beverages area as required by programme demands. The work will involve making and analysing sample materials and microstructures, and assessing external technologies, at both lab and pilot scale.
Key Accountabilities:
- Effectively communicate with customers and other scientists to define the nature of technical problems raised by the business.
- Design and perform experiments to solve technical problems, both in relation to existing products and for the development of new product concepts. This will involve the preparation of technical samples at both laboratory and pilot scale, as well as performing suitable measurements to characterize them, and creatively modifying existing techniques.
- Communicate the results through presentations and contributing to the writing of scientific reports
- Stay up to date with developments in relevant areas of physical chemistry, colloid and material science.
- Be flexible in meeting changing project goals, and take opportunities to improve the working environment in the department.
- Contribute to other tasks needed to keep the department running smoothly (for example, being a curator of a room or an instrument).
Minimum Professional Skills
- The candidate is expected to either have relevant qualifications in a scientific/food related area at further education level, or suitable work experience.
- Foundation training/qualification in Food hygiene and/or Microbiology desirable; this can be given as part of initial induction training.
Key Requirements and Experience:
- Ideally educated with Undergraduate or (preferably) Masters degree in chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, materials science or related disciplines.
- Familiarity with basic physico-chemical characterization methods, such as pH and conductivity measurements.
- Experience with some of the relevant characterization methods for the role, such as rheological techniques, textural measurements, optical characterization methods, e.g. light scattering for particle size measurement, microscopy, turbidimetry
- Strong team alignment to deliver to diverse customer project requirements and timelines.
- A self starter with strong passion to develop product innovations from initial ideas.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- A practical knowledge of food grade ingredients, such as emulsifiers and polymers, would be an advantage.
Key Interfaces:
- Project or workstream leaders and members
- Physical sciences and measurement team in Discover Colworth
- Refreshment design team in the GDC, Colworth
TO APPLY:
No matter who you are, or where in the world you are, the chances are that our products are a familiar part of your daily routine.
Every day, around the world, people reach for Unilever products. Our brands are trusted everywhere and, by listening to the people who buy them, we've grown into one of the world's most successful consumer goods companies. In fact, 150 million times a day, someone somewhere chooses a Unilever product.
Look in your fridge, or on the bathroom shelf, and you're bound to see one of our well-known brands. We create, market and distribute the products that people choose to feed their families and keep themselves and their homes clean and fresh.
For further information about this position please call 0800 028 4390.
Please note that the closing date for the receipt of applications is 25 February 2013.