R&D Scientist Review

Day to day role includes attending meetings with the team to organise experiments and tests for new technologies/products. Discussing possible new technologies and what we need to do to implement them into our products. Performing experiments in the lab on new formulations, capturing data and analysing results. Attending weekly lectures and revising for unit tests is a significant part of my time also.

I have learnt many new skills in my role including a variety of laboratory skills regularly used in the FMCG industry. I have developed my presentation skills and data analysis as well as becoming a more efficient and safe working formulator. I have learnt how to use a variety of lab equipment and data analysis tools.

I have enjoyed the programme a lot and find there are always new and interesting problems to tackle and skills to learn. It has been very interesting to learn about the science behind everyday products. Finding a good work/uni balance requires motivation to get everything done, but help is always there if needed and I have never felt overwhelmed.

The programme is very well organised, with a rotation between departments (Skin care, hair care, laundry liquids, oral care .etc) every 12 months. I like this structure as I gives you more experience in a greater number of roles/areas which is very employable experience to have gained. In the beginning a buddy will be assigned to you and this helped me integrate more smoothly and quickly into my role.

Unilever gives a lot of support if you need it with flexible working, wellbeing workshops/one to ones and social clubs/chats available for anyone who wants them. The line managers are approachable and helpful, and will do their best to resolve any issues you may have. Support is not forced upon you and there is space to develop independence. A study day is also given to complete any Uni work of off-the-job training.

Manchester Met University have been very accommodating in catering the course to a student with full-time work commitments, and they are flexible as to when you do your work as long as these commitments are met. Workshops are available for maths, essay writing, research techniques and referencing if these are skills you aren't too good at before starting the course.

A lot of the chemical theory involved in my working role is very specialist and not covered on the degree course. However, physical/analytical chemistry calculations are relevant to my work as well as lab skills. Units covering workplace regulations, business environment and ethical practice are relevant to my role and are great background knowledge to incorporate into my work.

There are plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved at work, including a variety of sports/running clubs as well as choirs and bands. Many of these have been postponed due to COVID but are looking to re-open. And some of them have continued through lockdown virtually. There are also tea-break sessions where you can take 15-20 mins out to relax and have an informal chat.

Yes

Working for Unilever is always interesting because of the positive effect you can have on its brands and by extension the millions of people who use them. The scientific research at Unilever is globally recognised and of the highest quality, so the experience and skills gained by working there is some of the best. The values of the company are shown not just in their products but within the company itself.

Research what Unilever's values are and try to connect with them, think about what you have done, are doing or will do to contribute to the goals of the company. You don't have to be exactly what you think they will want at the beginning, just show you are keen to solve problems, make a difference and further yourself. The course is as much about bettering yourself as it is about bettering their brands.