Research Scientist – Molecular Biologist London, England
Job description
Job Title: Research Scientist – Molecular Biologist
Location: King's College London
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, developing new functional ingredients for our leading brands.
Human Biology (HB) is a Beauty and Wellness (B&W) and Personal Care (PC) S&T Platform, investigating the biological mechanisms that underpin key consumer phenotypes leading to the generation of new technologies for the next generation of personal care products and providing novel insights to support superior claims in the marketplace.
As part of the hybrid Ecosystem to support this work, a Unilever Bioscience Hub has been established at Guy’s Campus, King’s College London. 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 Human Biology team for a PhD-qualified scientist or equivalent to join our team at Kings College London, reporting to the Bioscience Hub leader and senior scientist. The role is ideally suited to an energetic, self-motivated, resourceful research scientist with ability to show initiative, lead experimental projects and with strong people and communication skills. A background in molecular biology is essential with a knowledge of skin and hair biology preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Programme support: As part of the HB S&T programme, provide molecular biology expertise to support projects. Undertake lab and data-based research to identify new insights, targets & technology for the Unilever business.
- External networks and resources: Leverage the best of both academia and industry, including assessing and working with independent service providers, to support the development of new technologies and capabilities. Contribute to building the KCL Hub, manage Unilever funded PhD students, and establish an effective scouting network.
- Science capability build: Support internal activities to build knowledge and expertise in the developing molecular biology areas such as omics, single cell and spatial transcriptomics, and epigenetics. Actively evaluate developing science capabilities, establish relevant capabilities into practice and assist in alignment with relevant Unilever programmes.
- Business relationships: Build and maintain effective working relationships within project teams across scientific disciplines and global R&D sites, including with senior stakeholders and extended team members.
- People/Skills Development: Be proactive, energetic, self-motivated and have strong communication skills. Help develop others across an extended Team to ensure strong development of the KCL Hub in fast developing scientific fields.
ALL ABOUT YOU
- A degree in a biological based subject is essential. A PhD, or equivalent experience, with a strong emphasis in molecular biology is essential such as working with RNA, DNA and proteins, omic measurements (e.g. RNAseq, epigenetics etc) of cells and/or tissues and bioinformatic analyses thereof using R and/or other software platforms is preferred. Knowledge of single cell and/or spatial transcriptomic techniques would be an added advantage.
- Proven ability to handle primary human cells and tissues is preferred. Experience of co-culture systems, 3D models and histological analysis of human tissue would all be an added advantage.
- Experience in skin and hair biology would be ideal, although applicants without skin/hair experience but with a strong background in molecular biology would be considered.
- A person with experience of collaborative research and of guiding and helping others is preferred.
- Ability to effectively balance multiple concurrent activities and deliver to established deadlines.
- A strong interest in translational research and industrial R&D.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
Submitting CV: please include in your CV a paragraph (two maximum) outlining why you think you are suitable for this particular role, and what interests you in the role.
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 want to push boundaries, and have the flexibility needed to keep adapting in an ever-changing, more dynamic world. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.
As part of your hiring journey, we are happy to support requests for reasonable adjustments, to improve your recruitment experience.
To find out more, including more information about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here.
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