NEXT GENERATION MATERIAL DISCOVERY MICROBIOLOGIST

Next Generation Material Discovery Microbiologist

Work Level: 1RH3

Location: Location:  Unilever R&D Port Sunlight (close to Liverpool and Chester) with travel to Materials Innovation Factory (University of Liverpool), UK.

JOB PURPOSE

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.  

We are looking for a Next Generation Material Discovery Microbiologist who will be responsible to support a strategic preservation project across our PC, B&W and HC 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, enabling innovation and sustainability across all three BGs.

This role is part of the Preservation and Applied Microbiology team which provides a global technical expertise centre to support the Global PC, B&W and HC 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.

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.  

• Work on projects and activities for PC products preservation.

• Identify and evaluate novel preservative systems and materials for diverse product formats and formulations.

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

• Design and execute experimental work to support discovery, screening, and validation of new preservation technologies.

• Develop and apply microbiological methods and digital tools to assess preservatives and chemicals efficacy.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials into formulation and processing workflows across all BGs.

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

MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Perform laboratory testing to evaluate efficacy of novel preservation materials for PC, B&W, and HC products.

• Perform practical work to evaluate preservative efficacy and ad hoc testing for PC products.

• Capture and manage data using digital platforms, ensuring traceability and reproducibility across BGs.

• Coordinate screening and evaluation of new technologies, working with internal and external partners.

• Administer samples, review data, and gather insights to support material discovery across multiple product categories.

• Conduct microbiological analysis through in-house testing or third-party labs.

• Perform microbiology methods such as Challenge Tests, TVC, Gram staining, and identification techniques.

• Contribute to the scientific development of the Microbiology skill base, with a focus on innovation and discovery.

• Support hygiene assessments for manufacturing processes involving new materials across BGs.

ABOUT YOU

• Educational Background: Degree in Microbiology, Bioscience, or related Life Sciences.

• Experience:  Previous experience in microbiological methods, experimental design, basic Microbiology and laboratory techniques, and Microbiology identification methods. Experience in material screening or discovery is a plus.

• Skills: Strong attention to detail, excellent communication, and proficiency in digital tools (Excel, Word, Outlook). Familiarity with data analysis and digital lab platforms is desirable.

YOUR PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Analytical Thinking:  Ability to analyse and interpret complex data related to microbial experiments.

• Collaboration: Strong ability to work across teams and with external partners.

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

• Proactive Mindset: Results-driven, pragmatic, and able to prioritise effectively under tight timelines.

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.   

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).