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- Tasks: Join our team to innovate sustainable packaging materials and technologies.
- Company: Unilever is a global leader committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team transforming the packaging industry for a waste-free future.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in Materials, Polymer Sciences, or related fields; experience in materials development is a plus.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are core values; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
This job is with Unilever, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
Please Note: The deadline for applying is 23.59 the day before the job posting end date.
Job Title: Sustainable Flexible Packaging Material Scientist
Location: Port Sunlight R&D
Work-Level: RH3
CATEGORY/FUNCTION/TEAM INTRODUCTION
Unilever is committed to creating a waste-free world through its ambitious Packaging Strategy – We are taking on the toughest challenges to make our vision a reality. We are re-inventing our product packaging and materials to craft the sustainability journey towards our ambition of circular, waste-free and net zero future. To achieve these goals, we need completely new packaging materials and technologies that are yet to be discovered. Our industry-leading material science programme strives to change our industry for good, transforming the traditional packaging sector into a next-generation technical industry where entrepreneurial passion meets science-backed innovations.
We are looking for a creative, dedicated and ambitious individual with an innovative mindset who shares our passion for the challenge.
The One Packaging R&D Centre aims to create a waste-free, net zero packaging portfolio through a world class packaging materials capability with strong partnerships and ecosystems. The Centre will enable and accelerate the creation of novel packaging solutions to help meet Unilever's packaging ambitions and completely revolutionize our packaging with a particular focus on our flexibles portfolio. It is the place where future scientific leaders of the business are created. We are a high-performing, diverse and inclusive team of dynamic entrepreneurial people with a strong scientific background, courage and curiosity, and passion for sustainability and delivery that will have a positive impact on the planet.
JOB PURPOSE
As part of our world-class 'Future Flexible Packaging Technologies' team, you will play a key role in the fibre-based flexible packaging program, delivering new technologies and insights that will support the delivery of affordable superior sustainable solutions across Unilever's flexible packaging portfolio.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Develop and validate disruptive sustainable packaging material technologies through data-driven new insights and understanding in relation to the action standards set for our flexible packaging portfolio.
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Generate and validate hypotheses and make timely next steps recommendations to the R&D leaders across the programme.
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Work both independently and as part of a wider team to plan and execute your own work activities against key programme deliverables and milestones.
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Work within the team to leverage the external world, liaising with existing and potentially new ecosystem partners in the development of future sustainable packaging materials, whilst developing and maintaining strong links across the multi-disciplinary project teams within the wider R&D community.
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Work with digital experts, learn and apply in silico tools to drive predictive modelling for new materials selection and optimisation.
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Generate and report robust data packages to support IP and claim generation.
ALL ABOUT YOU
We are looking for someone that shares our passion for innovation, applied material science and sustainability, and the drive to take our packaging portfolio to the next level. Our Packaging strategy is not just about understanding and developing new materials – it's about making smart decisions on how, when, and where to use them. You will be part of a multi-disciplinary project team ethos where everybody contributes to achieving the same goal.
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Must be creative, highly passionate, high energy, willing to think big and inspire both the team and its stakeholders and customers.
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Must be flexible, agile, challenge the status quo, embrace transformational change and eager to work in multi-disciplinary teams and projects with good teamworking and networking skills.
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Must be a pro-active, self-starter; ability to multi-task and work to deadlines.
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Good decision-making and delivering effectively to deadlines.
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Committed to continually develop your scientific, and competency skills.
Technical Qualifications and Experience
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A higher-education qualification (BSc or MSc) in Materials, Polymer Sciences, Chemistry, Engineering, Paper Sciences or a closely related discipline which can be applied to the material challenges posed by eliminating plastics from our packaging.
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Experience in materials development, measurement and/or characterisation.
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Experience of working in industrial research is desirable but not essential.
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Proactive problem solver with strong analytical skills and an ability to interpret data to pull out key insights.
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Proven ability to generate and develop innovative approaches to solve problems or tackle opportunities.
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Ability to work in multidisciplinary projects and teams. Work effectively with Industrial partners and academic institutions. Evidence of ability to develop strong networks to enable delivery.
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Excellent presentation and communication skills with an ability to bring technologies and innovations to life in a clear and engaging way.
Key UL Behaviours
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Growth Mindset.
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Transformational mindset.
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Challenges the status-quo.
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Bias for Action.
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Accountability and Responsibility.
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 Hannah Cottier on hannah.cottier@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.
#LI-DNI
Sustainable Flexible Packaging Material Scientist employer: Unilever
Contact Detail:
Unilever Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sustainable Flexible Packaging Material Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with Unilever's sustainability goals and packaging strategy. Understanding their commitment to a waste-free world will help you align your passion for innovation and sustainability with their mission during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the materials science and packaging industry. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into current trends and challenges in sustainable packaging.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your experience in materials development and problem-solving. Highlight any innovative approaches you've taken in past projects that demonstrate your ability to think creatively and challenge the status quo.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your teamwork and networking skills by discussing how you've successfully collaborated on multidisciplinary projects. Emphasize your ability to build strong relationships with both industrial partners and academic institutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Sustainable Flexible Packaging Material Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Sustainable Flexible Packaging Material Scientist position. Understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experiences in materials science, sustainability, and packaging technologies. Use specific examples that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for sustainability and innovation in packaging. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your creativity and analytical skills, and explain why you want to work at Unilever.
Highlight Your Soft Skills: In your application, emphasize your soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Unilever values a collaborative approach, so showcasing your ability to work well with others will strengthen your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unilever
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Make sure to express your genuine interest in sustainability and how it aligns with Unilever's mission. Share examples of past projects or experiences where you contributed to sustainable practices or innovations.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your educational background and any relevant experience in materials science, polymer sciences, or related fields. Highlight specific technologies or methodologies you've worked with that relate to flexible packaging.
✨Emphasize Team Collaboration Skills
Unilever values teamwork, so be ready to share instances where you've successfully collaborated in multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you can leverage diverse perspectives to drive innovative solutions.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect to tackle hypothetical problems during the interview. Practice articulating your thought process in approaching challenges, especially those related to material development and sustainability.
