R&D Food Laboratory Technician

Unilever; Fatih; On-site; TRY 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Unilever is seeking an experienced R&D Food Laboratory Technician in Istanbul to join the Research and Development team. You will support formulation, process improvements, and packaging activities while maintaining rigorous lab practices and documentation.

You will execute lab-scale development, run analyses, and assist in evaluating product quality, shelf-life, and process improvements. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and hands-on problem solving are key parts of the role.

Qualifications

• Food Technology or a related School degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Food R&D, Quality, Production, or Laboratory environments.
• Strong hands-on laboratory and problem-solving skills.
• Digital literacy and experience with systems such as SAP, PLM, and Coupa.
• Ability to work full-time in a laboratory environment (5 days per week).

Responsibilities

• Support R&D activities across Formulation, Process, CTI, Chef Manship, and Packaging workstreams.
• Execute laboratory-scale development, testing, analysis, and evaluation activities to support innovation and renovation projects.
• Prepare, monitor, and maintain samples, raw materials, and test documentation in line with laboratory best practices.
• Support factory trials, product evaluations, shelf-life studies, and technical investigations as required.
• Support cross-functional activities with R&D, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure timely project delivery.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, facilities, and records in compliance with safety, quality, and 5S standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing technical support, data analysis, and recommendations.
• Utilize digital R&D systems and tools (e.g., SAP PLM, Coupa, and other relevant platforms) to support project execution, data management, documentation, purchasing workflows, and reporting activities.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Food Technology or related degree

Tools

SAP

PLM

Coupa

Job description

Join us as R&D Food Laboratory Technician
Function Research and Development
Work Level WL1
Reports to R&D Manager
Scope Local
Location İstanbul
Terms & Conditions Full Time

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to Unilever is the place where you can bring your purpose to life with the work that you do – creating a better business and a better world. If you are a hard worker who is naturally have curiosity and has a passion for Research & Development of the products which we’ve already use in our lives; then this role is just for you!]. You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.

Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support R&D activities across Formulation, Process, Consumer & Technical Insight (CTI), Chef Manship, and Packaging workstreams.
• Execute laboratory-scale development, testing, analysis, and evaluation activities to support innovation and renovation projects.
• Prepare, monitor, and maintain samples, raw materials, and test documentation in line with laboratory best practices.
• Support factory trials, product evaluations, shelf-life studies, and technical investigations as required.
• Support cross-functional activities with R&D, Quality, Procurement, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure timely project delivery.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, facilities, and records in compliance with safety, quality, and 5S standards.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by providing technical support, data analysis, and recommendations.
• Utilize digital R&D systems and tools (e.g., SAP PLM, Coupa, and other relevant platforms) to support project execution, data management, documentation, purchasing workflows, and reporting activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Food Technology, or a related School degree.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Food R&D, Quality, Production, or Laboratory environments.
• Passion for food and product development.
• Continuous learning mindset and openness to new technologies and ways of working.
• Strong hands-on laboratory and problem-solving skills.
• Digital literacy and experience with systems such as SAP, PLM, and Coupa.
• Ability to work full-time in a laboratory environment (5 days per week).
• Strong teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Planning & Organising
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Stakeholder Management
• Collaboration & Teamwork
• Continuous Learning Mindset

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Note: Whilst a preferred candidate has been identified through our succession planning processes, we are open to receiving further applications to ensure everyone with the desired skills, performance experience, and leadership outlined within has had the opportunity to apply.

Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bring their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.