Analytical Chemist

Manpower is currently seeking a Analytical Chemist to work with our global FMCG client, Unilever, renowned for brands such as Ben & Jerry's, Knorr, Walls & Marmite, and become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.

The position is based at our client's Research & Development facility, at Colworth Science Park, in Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire (MK44), accessible by car. It also houses our client's global centre of excellence in safety and sustainability sciences.

This is a full-time temporary role for 12 months, to start 12th January 2026, requiring 37.50 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive, paying up to £41,000 per annum, pro rata, depending upon experience.

Unilever's Safety, Environmental and Regulatory Sciences (SERS) group is seeking an analytical chemist to join their experimental team. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone wishing for a research-based role in a laboratory focussed on the development of new approaches to replace outdated and unethical animal tests.

JOB PURPOSE
This is a role for an up-and-coming analytical chemist with strong laboratory skills and a passion for science. Specific experience of techniques listed below is not critical as full training will be given.
This role focusses on applying analytical techniques to both provide the measurements needed to conduct safety risk assessment and to investigate chemical behaviour in different environments. This forms a critical part of the application of Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA), the driver behind much of SERS' research to conduct safety assessment without animal testing. You will collaborate with a diverse range of scientific experts including PBPK modellers, computational chemists, bioinformaticians, toxicologists, environmental scientists, microbiologists, data scientists and mathematical modellers as part of multidisciplinary project teams.

SERS' laboratories have an established team of analytical chemists covering protein and small molecule measurement using a wide variety of techniques. These include Kjeldahl, ELISA, SDS-PAGE, Western blot, Size Exclusion Chromatography (GFC/SEC) amongst others for protein analysis and LC-MS, GC-MS, HPLC, UV and fluorescence spectroscopy for small molecules. These chemists work side by side with toxicologists and environmental scientists in a lab that prides itself on tackling the non-routine work that simply cannot be done easily elsewhere. This means it's often not just the analysis you'll be doing but designing and developing an appropriate experiment and calling on the expertise across the whole team to help you.

This is the chance to tackle a variety of challenges, working across projects with colleagues from diverse disciplines, with opportunities outside the lab also open to you. You will work alongside some of the industry's most respected scientists, getting training in a range of laboratory techniques with the chance to grow as a professional.

RESPONSIBILITIES
As an analytical chemist your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Learn a variety of analytical techniques
Application of analytical methods as required
Develop and evaluate new analytical methods
Applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Design experiments to address the problem at hand
Interpret experimental data and troubleshoot problems
Accurately record experimental data and present to others
Contribute to external publications and presentations
Help in the upkeep and maintenance of laboratory equipment
ALL ABOUT YOU
Essential experience

A degree in chemistry, biochemistry or a related subject
An appreciation of analytical chemistry techniques
Strong laboratory skills and a desire to work in a lab
Good written and verbal communication skills
A flexible approach to working as part of a team
Desire to work in a research environment
Desirable experience

Experience working in a laboratory in an industrial settingColworth Science Park working environment:

9 miles from Bedford
18 miles from M1
Modern working environment in a beautiful, listed building
Large green outdoor spaces
Shuttle bus is provided from Bedfordshire area to Site