Laboratory Scientist Apprenticeship - UK and Ireland

About our UK and Ireland apprenticeships

Our apprenticeship programmes allow people from all backgrounds to find their purpose and rise to their full potential, whilst learning invaluable skills and earning a wage. All our programmes offer you on the job experience and formal training to give you the knowledge and skills to fire-up your career and give you the opportunity to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. From the engineers in our factories, to the scientists in our research and development sites; producers of brand artwork to those creating mobile optimised websites; our apprentices bring fresh ideas and deliver innovative ways to meet the everyday needs of our consumers, helping them to rise to their full potential.

Job description

What is the job? 

Unilever’s purpose is to create a brighter future with you and for you and that journey starts in Research & Development (R&D).  

In R&D, you’ll help shape products that improve people’s lives and make a positive impact on the planet. You’ll learn what consumers need and help turn ideas into real innovations. As an R&D apprentice, you’ll follow a structured programme that lets you apply your scientific knowledge in the lab while working towards your degree. 

As a Laboratory Science apprentice, you’ll use your scientific skills to support the development of new products across our different categories. You’ll work at either the Product Innovation Laboratory in Port Sunlight or the Materials Innovation Factory in Liverpool, alongside world‑leading scientists in Beauty & Wellbeing, Personal Care and Home Care. Within project teams, you’ll help create innovative products used by millions every day. 

What do we look for? 

You will have a genuine passion for Chemistry and its impact on the world around us. Highly motivated with an aptitude for teamwork and keen scientific curiosity you will be keen to learn from others and bring your ideas. 

What could your day-to-day look like? 

You will be working within a fast-paced project team, and most of your work will be laboratory-based where your results will help the team leader to make key decisions for our products.  

What support will you receive? 

You will have a workplace mentor who will assist with any questions relating to your apprenticeship. We have a strong relationship with the university who will also offer guidance and training on top of your studies.  

As part of a project team, you will have the guidance of your line manager and a peer buddy to help you to settle into the team and we also have a community of former and current apprentices who organise a range of support, everything from sharing their experiences with the apprenticeship to organising nights out in Liverpool.  

What can Unilever offer YOU? 

• A competitive salary of £25,000 

• A pension scheme  

• A Benefits Envelope which has a notional value of 25% of your pensionable earnings. Use it to save for your pension, get extra taxable pay or both.  

• A discounted staff shop 

• Subsidised mym memberships - availability varies by site 

• Shares 

• 25 days of holiday allowance  

• Opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.   

• Opportunity to join one of our Future Careers Development Teams such as Outreach, Digi, Community & Wellbeing and many more! By joining a team, you can grow business-critical skills, develop Unilever Behaviours, and make a meaningful contribution to Future Careers. 

To find out more about Future Careers at Unilever UK, check out our Instagram page! 

At Unilever, diversity is about embracing differences, championing inclusion, creating possibilities, and growing together for better business performance. Join our vibrant and inclusive workplace that champions diversity and inclusion.  

We give full and fair consideration to all applicants, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.    

We are a key advocate of well-being and offer a variety of resources 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.   

Duration   

4 years 

Requirements 

Have 5 GCSEs including English Language and Maths at grade 5 or above. Have or are predicted a minimum of 3 A-level or equivalent with grades BBB or above including Chemistry and at least one other STEM subject. 

Locations Available 

Hybrid working with a minimum of 3 days required weekly at our Port Sunlight (Wirral) office, with one day spent at university, although this may vary depending on role responsibilities and line manager discretion. 

Application process 

Stage 1 – Online Application 

Complete the online application form and tell us about your motivation for choosing Unilever and your selected apprenticeship programme. 

Stage 2 – Online Assessments 

Situational judgement test which gives you realistic hypothetical scenarios where you will be asked to identify the most appropriate response. You will also complete a numerical reasoning assessment, an online test that measures your ability to interpret and draw conclusions from numerical data and verbal reasoning assessment an online test that measures your ability to understand and evaluate written information. 

Stage 3 – Video Interview 

Candidates who perform well in the online assessments will be invited to complete a video interview. 

Stage 4 – In person discovery centre 

In person discovery centre immersing yourself in new business challenges and an interview. 

Applications open: 

Monday 9 November 2026