Unilever Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw University Research Fellow

BACKGROUND

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 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.

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/

Application Process

Key contacts and information about the Faculty, Schools, Departments and Institutes can be found on our website (https://www.se.manchester.ac.uk/) and queries may be emailed to DKOFellows@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)

Deadline for applications: 23.59 (UK time) Friday 16th February 2024.

SELECTION CRITERIA

The criteria for appointment will be based upon:

• Overall potential of the fellowship to establish and maintain a distinctive and outstanding research and/or innovation activity
• Quality of the proposal, particularly in relation to potential impact and deliverables
• The relevance of the proposal to funders, industrial and/or policy stakeholders 
• Contribution to a priority areas of research for the Faculty/School (see above)
• Potential to act as an ambassador and advocate in their field
• Ability to teach and communicate effectively to undergraduate and postgraduate students

We aim to appoint 10 DKO Fellowships in 23/24 subject to the identification of suitable candidates through the recruitment process. The ‘home’ Department(s) of successful applicants will be discussed with candidates and agreed with the Heads of School following interview.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel, independently chaired by a Head of School. A shortlist of candidates will be drawn and presented to the Faculty. A Faculty panel chaired by the Vice President and Dean of the Faculty will carry out the final interview.

Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants who are currently under-represented at this level. Appointments will be made on merit. The Faculty will also support requests to hold the award part-time over a proportionately longer period. Research excellence is the main criterion on the basis of which Dame Kathleen Ollerenshaw Early Career Research Fellowships are awarded. However, career breaks as well as unconventional research career paths will be taken into account. Evaluations will be monitored to identify potential biases e.g. in terms of gender and race to guarantee transparency, fairness and impartiality in the treatment of proposals.

Full details relating to eligibility; appointment details/conditions; and application procedure are outlined in the Guidance Notes that accompany this scheme.

KEY DATES

What can you expect in return

The University will actively foster a culture of inclusion and diversity and will seek to achieve true equality of opportunity for all members of its community.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments are made on merit.

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

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

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

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

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.