Research Associate

About Unilever

Unilever is a global leader in consumer goods, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and making a positive impact on everyday lives. With iconic brands such as Surf, Domestos, Cif, Sunlight and Vim, Unilever's Homecare division is dedicated to developing cutting-edge cleaning and hygiene solutions that serve consumers across the world. Our culture fosters creativity, collaboration, and diversity, making Unilever an inspiring place to grow your career.

Position Overview:

This full-time position is located at Unilever R&D Bangalore, within the Surface Cleaners and Hygiene team of the Global Homecare Innovation Team, which develops products for Domestos, Cif, and Living Hygiene brands. The role reports to the Technology Innovation Manager, Homecare Business Group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and implement a robust technology pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of innovative solutions.
• Translate consumer insights into effective, market-winning product formulations.
• Drive digital adoption, leveraging AI and other technologies to accelerate research and streamline development cycles.
• Conduct bench experiments to validate product performance, utilising digital tools to optimise results.
• Develop or adapt technologies for efficient cleaning of various surfaces (kitchens, toilets, floors, etc.).
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to commercialise breakthrough ideas.
• Partner with Product Appraisal and Consumer Insight teams to develop strong, substantiated market claims.
• Support safe and successful product launches in partnership with Safety, Regulatory, Patents, Processing, Regional R&D, Brand, and Science & Technology teams.
• Conduct literature, patent, competitor, and supplier searches to identify market gaps and contribute to new product innovation.
• Help build future-fit capabilities across the team.

Qualifications & Experience

• M.Sc. in Chemistry, B. Tech in Chemical Engineering with First Class in all subjects.
• 2-3 years' experience in technology and product development preferred.
• Strong foundation in chemistry, especially surfactant science, formulation development and processing; experience with polymers and enzymes is a plus.
• Expertise in surface and interfacial science is highly desirable.
• Experience with digital tools (AI such as Copilot, JMP, Matlab, Python) and digital modelling of formulations, processes, or performance.
• Proficiency in data analysis, interpretation, and visualisation.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to clearly present findings to stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse, cross-functional teams.
• Creative problem-solving skills, adaptability, and initiative.

What Do We Offer:

We provide a competitive salary, pension scheme, annual bonus, and share options. Our flexible and hybrid working environment allows employees to collaborate directly with our renowned brands. We promote wellbeing through dedicated hubs, programmes, and development opportunities for staff. Our aim is to foster a family-friendly, inclusive workplace that supports personal and professional growth for all.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Unilever embraces diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to fair and equal consideration for all, and to the ongoing development of every employee, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, or pregnancy and maternity.

"All official offers from Unilever are issued only via our Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Offers from individuals or unofficial sources may be fraudulent—please verify before proceeding."