R&D Sleep Scientist

Unilever Brazil; Port Sunlight; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A global wellness and nutrition company is seeking a Sleep Scientist in Port Sunlight to lead research projects focused on sleep health. The role requires a PhD or MSc in life sciences and expertise in nutrition and sleep research. You will work within an agile team, managing partnerships and conducting impactful studies. The position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and excellent training opportunities to foster your career in the ever-evolving wellness industry.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Annual bonus

Subsidised gym membership

Discounted staff shop

Shares

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-5 years’ experience in nutrition and sleep research.
• Advanced knowledge in roles of nutrition in sleep.
• Experience in designing experiments related to nutrition and sleep.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute long-term pipeline projects for the Sleep Platform.
• Manage external research partnerships with contract research labs.
• Identify and develop pipeline opportunities across Unilever R&D.

Skills

Nutrition research

Sleep science

Data analysis

Project management

Communication skills

Education

PhD or MSc in life sciences

Job description

Job Title

Sleep Scientist

Business Function

R&D Wellbeing Collective

Location

Port Sunlight Research Lab

Job Purpose

We are part of Unilever’s Global Wellbeing team focused on the €140bn wellbeing space defined by Vitamins, Minerals and Supplements. As a research scientist with expertise in sleep science, you will work within an agile core team to study models (pre‑clinical and clinical) related to sleep health, develop long‑term pipeline projects and support cross‑functional innovation across the Wellbeing Collective and Unilever R&D.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and execute long‑term pipeline projects for the Sleep Platform for the Wellbeing Collective.
• Establish and manage external research partnerships with 3rd‑party contract research labs and academic institutions.
• Work across the Wellbeing Collective and Unilever R&D to identify and develop transversal pipeline opportunities.
• Interact with internal stakeholders to share new scientific insights to the Collective.
• Develop scientific positions and viewpoints relevant to the business and identify and track emerging trends and scientific developments within the fields of sleep, circadian rhythms and nutrition.

Support (within the broader NS&I/International team)

• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including Safety, Regulatory, Product Development, Science & Technology and operating company experts.
• Support IP strategy for early‑stage pipeline activities.
• Contribute to front‑end innovation activities including workshops, prototyping and claim storming.
• Support claim substantiation activities as a subject matter expert as needed.

All About You

• PhD or MSc in life science disciplines such as nutritional sciences, neuroscience or sleep and circadian health.
• 2‑5 years’ experience in nutrition and sleep research.
• Knowledge and experience with digital tools, informatics and large data analysis skills.
• Advanced knowledge in roles of nutrition in sleep, which subsequently impact overall health and wellbeing.
• Proven record in designing and conducting experiments to investigate the impact of nutrition on sleep and health.
• R&D experience within the FMCG or healthcare industry preferred.
• Industry experience or experience in collaboration with academic & industry partners, combined with project management experience desirable.
• Demonstrate strong result focus and capacity to take initiative and be a self‑starter.
• Excellent communication skills and capacity to convey and adapt scientific information to non‑expert audiences.

What We Offer

Competitive salary and pension scheme, annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, discounted staff shop and shares. Flexible and hybrid working environment.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences and creating possibilities for all. We give full and fair consideration to all applicants and provide reasonable adjustments where needed. Unilever is a key advocate of wellbeing and offers support programmes and development opportunities.

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