Researcher in Matarials Science
University of Manchester
United Kingdom

The Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Manchester and Unilever have both, for many years, been investing in Early Career Researchers and increasing the diversity of our staff. These represent a strategic investment in outstanding researchers who will shape our future research portfolio. In 2024, we plan to appoint 2 Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellowships in a joint venture with the School of Natural Science (SoNS) and to the School of Engineering (SoE) and with Unilever in the area of the manufacture and prediction of the properties of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG).  

Outstanding candidates in science and engineering are encouraged to apply.  The Fellowship is an excellent stepping stone to establishing an independent research career and gaining a full time permanent academic position.

Unilever are looking for proposals which support their ambitions in the areas of 

• Scale-up of the manufacture of structured materials with complex rheology. 
• To further develop the understanding of key operations such as high shear mixers & extrusion
• To establish a capability in the modelling and simulation of the spraying of complex rheologies containing particulates.
• To develop further understanding of the links between the manufacturing process and product for structured materials in both the liquid and soft solid phases, especially the implementation and embedding of new rheological models into industrial simulations.
• To develop links between academia and industry in building robust strategies for the prediction of FMCG properties and performance (inc computation & simulation, experiment & analytics/machine learning/AI).

The University of Manchester

The University of Manchester (www.manchester.ac.uk) enjoys a global reputation for its research and its innovative approach to learning, with an on-going £1 billion investment in facilities, staff and buildings. This builds on our tradition of success that stretches back 200 years. The birth of the modern computer, the splitting of the atom, the founding principles of modern economics, the discovery of graphene, and the birthplace of engineering – these and many more world changing innovations have their roots at our University. We are at the forefront of the search for solutions to some of the world's most pressing problems, boasting strong collaborative links with industry and public services. In 2021, the university was number one, and in 2023 number two in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings table of more than 1,200 universities from around the world on impact addressing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Unilever

Established over 100 years ago, Unilever is one of the world’s  leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with more than 400 brands and with sales in over 190 countries .  On any given day, 2 billion consumers use Unilever Group products  including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle. To ensure that its products are efficient and innovative, Unilever R&D employs over 5,000 professionals in 20 countries spanning the globe. 

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, Unilever want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why Unilever’s purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’.

For more insights on Unilever products and sustainability commitments please visit the website www.Unilever.com 

Some information on Unilever R&D Port Sunlight Laboratory where the Unilever leads are based can be found at

https://www.unilever.co.uk/news/press-releases/2018/unilever-officially-opens-new-north-west-innovation-centre/

For more information on the partnership between The University and Unilever please see https://www.cafe4dm.manchester.ac.uk/

Applications should be submitted via the application form on Jobtrain together with the following supporting documents noting the maximum page numbers for each document:

1. Curriculum Vitae (2 pages)
2. Please also upload your Research Proposal (2 pages), Academic Impact Statement (1 page) and Statement of Strategic Fit (1 page).  These three documents must be combined into a single pdf (4 pages in total)

The University actively fosters a culture of inclusion and diversity and seeks to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community. The Faculty welcomes applications from all sections of the community and are committed to having a representative workforce. Across the Schools we hold Bronze and Silver Athena SWAN Awards, which recognise our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and particularly the advancement of women’s education and careers in STEM.

The University also holds a Bronze Race Charter Mark recognising our commitment to improving the representation, progression and success of minority ethnic staff and students within higher education. In addition, we are a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing an interview for any disabled applicant who meets the minimum requirements for a job.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Blended working arrangements may be considered         

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Email: DKOFellows@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

Jobtrain: 0161 850 2004 https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.