Regulatory Scientist - Chemical Safety

Unilever: Regulatory Scientist within the Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Science (SERS) Team

Job Purpose

As a Regulatory Scientist within the SERS team at Unilever, you will work collaboratively and cross-functionally with SERS & Business Group stakeholders and external partners to develop and execute Unilever’s Regulatory science capability and advocacy strategy related to Chemical Safety. You will ensure application of high-quality regulatory and scientific knowledge/data to inform business decision-making, ensure regulatory compliance & preparedness, and influence the external pre/regulatory landscape.

Key Responsibilities

• Help to define and execute Unilever’s Regulatory Science capability (SERS) strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and technology/innovation pipelines.
• Deliver differentiating regulatory science capability and expertise in Chemical Safety to protect, grow and future-proof Unilever’s business.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and policies related to our products and (chemical) ingredients through establishing cross-functional governance approaches.
• Establish trust and leverage strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to influence decisions and advocate for science-based policies and standards. Bring outside information in via external fora (e.g. trade associations) and ensure regulatory preparedness for Unilever key ingredients.
• Provide strategic guidance and technical expertise on regulatory matters to R&D and business group leadership on new technologies & product innovation, and execute the strategy with excellence.
• Monitor, anticipate and proactively address emerging trends, issues and opportunities in chemical regulatory science and product compliance.
• Drive continuous improvement and best practice in regulatory science and product compliance, leveraging data, analytics and digital technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

All About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• PhD or commensurate experience level in toxicology or a closely related subject
• Deep knowledge of Regulatory Toxicology, Chemical human risk assessment, Chemical regulations (e.g. REACh, BPR, CLP), and Regulatory Compliance throughout supply chain
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex science for diverse audiences and influence decision-making.
• Digital & Data Skills: Proficiency with digital tools for regulatory science (e.g., data analytics, dashboards, regulatory databases).

Desirable:

• Experience with regulatory submissions (e.g. REACH, CLP, BPR)
• Understanding and experience of leading edge science behind Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA)
• Advocacy & Influence: Experience representing organizations in scientific or regulatory advocacy, including participation in trade associations, industry consortia, or governmental bodies.

What We Offer

• A vibrant, research-driven environment either at Colworth Science Park (Sharnbrook, Bedfordshire) or the Hive (Wageningen, Netherlands) with on-site amenities such as a restaurant.
• Opportunities to lead impactful Regulatory Science projects that enhance safety, regulatory compliance, and sustainability.
• A supportive, inclusive team culture that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Hybrid working model to support work-life balance.

ABOUT SERS

We want consumers to be confident that our products are safe for them and their families, and better for the environment. The scientists at SERS play a key role in ensuring that our products are safe, and our business is environmentally sustainable. SERS’s world-class reputation for safety and sustainability science plays a key role in Unilever achieving its purpose, by working across the business to build safety and environmental sustainability into everything we do.