Physiologically based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeller

Job Title: Physiologically based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeller

Location: Colworth R&D, Sharnbrook UK – hybrid

Unilever’s Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC) is seeking a PBPK Modeller to join the SEAC Computational Science team. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone wishing to make a significant positive impact in the development and application of models for alternatives to animal testing, working alongside some of the industry’s most respected scientists, learning new computational approaches, growing as a professional and enjoying opportunities to publish and present.

JOB PURPOSE

This permanent role focusses on the use of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Models and approaches as part of the application of Next Generation Risk Assessment (NGRA).  You will need to collaborate with a diverse range of scientific experts in a number of different disciplines and be able to communicate effectively with stakeholders and provide training for experts and non-experts within SEAC. This role sits within SEAC’s computational science team consisting of PBPK modellers, computational chemists, bioinformaticians, data scientists and mathematical modellers. The group is responsible for developing and applying new computational approaches for risk and impact assessment and ensuring that these are embedded within the organisation.  The group also provides the models and expert analyses that underpin both internal risk assessments and global chemical registrations for Unilever’s diverse portfolio of products. 

This is the chance to tackle a variety of challenges, working across projects with colleagues from diverse disciplines. You will work alongside some of the industry’s most respected scientists, learning new computational approaches, growing as a professional and enjoying opportunities to publish and present. In addition, of course, you will have fantastic career opportunities within a successful global company that is focused on winning every day.

RESPONSIBILITIES

As a PBPK modeller your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Apply PBPK and/or pregnancy PBPK models for systemic exposure predictions
• Apply understanding of ADME to interpret toxicokinetics to inform the development/application of PBPK exposure models
• Independently build and validate PBPK models to support evaluation of absorption and systemic exposure potential from dermal absorption route
• Input into the internal scientific research strategy on chemical risk assessment
• Contribute to on-going safety assessments by applying critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Provide technical leadership & training to both experts and non-experts to ensure novel approaches are embedded within the organisation
• Routinely present knowledge and progress internally at various technical levels
• Publish and present externally on novel approaches
• Collaborate with others in the computational science team and across SEAC to promote best practice
• Promote acceptance of new scientific approaches externally through interactions with Key Opinion Formers (KOFs) with international reputation and influence

ALL ABOUT YOU

Essential experience

• PhD in a quantitative discipline or relevant years’ experience in a relevant scientific discipline (Maths, Toxicology, pharmacology, biochemistry, chemistry or other ADME/DMPK related science)
• Practical experience of using PBPK software
• Demonstrable experience of using ADME parameters to inform development of (influence of chemical-dependent parameters on TK) and interpretation of output from PBPK models in the context of NGRA
• Understanding of the in vitro/ in vivo experiments used to describe general ADME principles
• Successful track record of applying PBPK and/or pregnancy PBPK into projects
• Strong problem-solving capability and ability to work autonomously
• Strong and effective influencing and communication skills
• Ability to lead and motivate others
• Ability to communicate complex concepts to a non-expert audience

Desirable experience

• Evidence of knowledge/experience/skills on skin absorption from both experimental and modelling perspective
• Experience in programming

How you’ll work – our values:

• We COLLABORATE to build our networks to unlock creativity & deliver innovation
• We strive for open, honest & TRANSPARENT communication
• We take control over how, when & where we work to ensure we are HIGH PERFORMING
• Our personal, physical, mental & emotional WELLBEING always takes priority
• We EXPERIMENT & LEARN in a safe space to meet Unilever’s needs
• We are guided by our collective purpose & passion for PIONEERING new science to protect people & planet
• People come first; we are SUPPORTIVE, we embrace flexibility, jump in to help out & ask for help when we need it
• We are INCLUSIVE; every voice counts & trust, respect & kindness are part of all we do

ABOUT SEAC

We want consumers to be confident that our products are safe for them and their families, and better for the environment. The scientists at SEAC play a key role in ensuring that our products are safe, and our business is environmentally sustainable. SEAC’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; find out how at SEAC.unilever.com.

We are committed to safety without animal testing and are leaders in non-animal safety science. We strongly believe that we should #UseScienceNotAnimals. Take a look at our BBC StoryWorks film to learn more.

NOTES

About Unilever

Unilever is one of the world’s leading suppliers of Food, Home and Personal Care products with sales in over 190 countries and reaching 2 billion consumers a day. Unilever has more than 400 brands found in homes around the world, including Dove, Tresemme, Lynx, Lifebuoy, Shea Moisture, Persil, Domestos, Ben & Jerry’s, Magnum, Marmite, The Vegetarian Butcher, Graze and Pot Noodle.

Faced with the challenge of climate change and the need for human development, we want to move towards a world where everyone can live well and within the natural limits of the planet. That’s why our purpose is ‘to make sustainable living commonplace’ 

Location

Colworth Science Park is a vibrant scientific community with around 500 Unilever employees from 33 nationalities, with 88 PhDs, 8 Professors, and 40 apprentices. On site there are various facilities including a restaurant, gym, and a nursery. There are many social and recreational activities to take part in such as going for a lunchtime walk or run in the beautiful surrounding countryside, the Colworth choir, and Colworth Cats netball team to name just a few. London with all its attractions is a short 40-minute train ride from Bedford.

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, subsidised gym membership, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all.

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, including about our Employee Resource Groups, please click here Equity, Diversity & Inclusion at Unilever | Unilever.

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