Scientific Adviser

Which? is the UK's consumer champion. Our science team plays a critical role in designing and implementing scientific research for our extensive product testing programme. The team is responsible for a range of activities including designing test programmes, sourcing and liaising with appropriate test laboratories and evaluating our test results to enable Which? to recommend Best Buys and Eco Buys - and warn which products to avoid through our Don't Buys label. The team also works with external stakeholders, including regulators, Standards agencies, consumer interest groups and other international testing organisations, to ensure that the consumer voice has maximum impact. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated scientist to join our team as a Scientific Adviser.,

• You will join a team of five scientists working under the Science Team Manager in our Product Testing Team. Your work will be crucial in enabling our extensive product testing regime to deliver accurate results to tight timetables for around 4,000 products a year.


• You'll be responsible for writing and maintaining high quality test programmes to instruct technicians in test laboratories across the UK and Europe to test consumer products to our exact specifications.


• Once the testing is completed, you'll analyse the results so that we can decide which products consumers should choose and which to avoid.


• Where our testing uncovers safety and/or data security defects you'll apply critical thinking to help us decide appropriate next steps.


• All of your work will be driven by an appreciation of what consumers expect from the products they choose and you'll enjoy taking responsibility for a diverse portfolio: potentially anything from the latest smartphones and speakers, to the best washing up liquid, vacuum cleaner or pushchair.
  
  Your scientific knowledge will be top notch, demonstrated through an undergraduate science degree, or a suitable science-based qualification alongside experience of conducting scientific research and analysis in a professional setting.


• A genuine interest in consumer products: a curiosity about how they work and how you can decide which are the best choices


• A good understanding of scientific processes, and a passion for scientific investigation, rigour and accuracy


• Strong communication and influencing skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with key stakeholders


• Ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneously


• Willingness to travel, with overnight stays, to test laboratories in UK and European destinations
  
  This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working (5-8 days per month in the London office), 28 days holiday a year plus Bank Holidays and a fantastic pension scheme.


Salary £27,000 - £31,000 per annum, We also have these benefits for you to consider:

• 35 hour working week (no weekends)


• Generous 28 days holiday a year plus Bank Holidays


• Award winning pension scheme - when you pay in 3%, Which? pays in 6% (rising to 11% after one year of service.)


• Discount site Sodexo which offers large %% off every day shopping and holidays


• Annual Bonus (depending on employee and company performance)


• Healthcare insurance & Private medical insurance and opportunity to participate in Vitality rewards programme (at 6 months)


• A discretionary death in service benefit provision equivalent to six times your annual salary


• Free access to Which? member content and free access to Which? money and legal helplines


• Work from (almost) anywhere" for 4 weeks of the year policy


The interview process for this role involves:-

• 1.5 hours structured interview with a small task


About Which?

We promote a great work-life balance (all our roles are now hybrid), offering flexible working options in addition to a full time working week (35 hours) e.g. part time or job shares where possible. If you wish to discuss any of these options, please contact the Resourcing team at resourcing@which.co.uk

Which? is the UK's consumer champion, here to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. Read all about us on our website.

At Which? we value diversity and we're committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. We are proud that we are in the 'Top 25 Inclusive Employers' List and currently ranking 16th.