Senior Project Scientist - Product Engineering

Key Skills

Design of Experiment, Java Programming, Python Programming, SQL

Job Description

Product Engineering is one of the Science & Technology Platforms within the Beauty & Personal Care R&D organization. Its purpose is to translate relevant science generated both internally and externally into a stream of innovative consumer products with superior, differentiated benefits. The Product Engineering discipline draws from a deep expertise in surfactant physical chemistry, material science, surface & colloid science, and process engineering, coupled with an understanding of product interaction with biological substrates during use. These research deliverables support the innovation pipeline over the next 5 years. They primarily take the form of next generation products scaled at least to pilot plant level, but may also include novel claims, claim support measurements, and expertise & authority. In addition, the Product Engineering team often partners directly with the Design teams to solve critical product-based problems or to provide deeper insight into new products or processes.

The new hire will part of the Product Engineering Science and Technology platform located in Trumbull, CT. More specifically, the new hire will be a key science leader responsible for a research program to develop skin cleansing and care products with advanced benefits, specializing in combining the underpinning science with data analytics and predictive modeling. The program is based on an in-depth understanding of active and formulation science principles and the interactions of products with skin. The work will require strong collaboration with R&D partners in adjacent disciplines and external experts, as well as engagement with business partners to ensure optimum impact and delivery of research outputs. The new hire will also have access to Unilever’s state-of-the-art digital facilities globally and evolving data collection, analytical, and modeling capabilities locally.

Who You Are & What You’ll Do

This role involves the following responsibilities:

• Work with program and science leaders to assist in creating a long-term vision, strategy and pipeline for the next generation of Product Engineering science relevant to creation of technologies and innovations for the Skin Care and Cleansing categories consistent with Unilever’s Planet Positive and Sustainable Sourcing ambitions
• Lead team-based experimental design and execution to explore current and novel technologies for the development of innovative cleansing and care products from concept through to proof-of-principle phase, with a focus on introducing data analytics and/or predictive modeling to the program and building capability in this area.
• Build and maintain product characterization capabilities to generate deeper material science insights and product design rules, while applying digital skills and data-drive approaches.
• Work in partnership with the global Lab Automation and Data manager to design next generation experimental programs that harness the use of automation, data, and analytics to support model-building and product development.
• Nurture a dynamic team environment with a strong commitment to cutting edge science, collaboration with externals, and a robust cross functional network. Assist the platform leader in nurturing a network of external partners, including academics, suppliers, and unique 3rd party services and manage projects/interactions with these partners as needed.
• Ensure IP opportunities are fully explored and developed in area of responsibility.
• Establish and nurture seamless interfaces and communications with the relevant Design teams and with the other Science & Technology platforms as needed and manage the transition of the technology from the Science and Technology platform to the Design teams
• Create and maintain an operationally safe work environment for all personnel in area of responsibility
• Maintain an agile mindset, where complexity, resource efficiency, risk taking and speed are all embraced and lived by the team.

What You’ll Need To Succeed

• A Ph.D. (preferred) or M.S. in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, with a deep understanding of the science bases underpinning personal care products.
• 1-3 years with Ph.D. or 3-5 years with M.S. of product-centric industrial experience in relevant areas such as material science, surface science and/or process engineering
• Proven track record in the development and application of digital methods, especially in the domain of data and analytics/predictive modelling.
• A proven track record of complex project management.
• A proven track record of management and leadership of teams of scientists, including the ability to effectively organize, coach and inspire teams to consistently high standards.
• The ability to work effectively across multiple sites and functions. This is particularly important as success depends upon close coordination with the other Product Engineering sites, excellent working relationships with the relevant Design teams and their leaders, and productive external and academic collaborations.
• The ability to present and communicate in a compelling, efficient and effective manner, both cross-functionally and cross-regionally, and at every level of the organization.