R&D Assistant, Aircare – Vestacy (Kingston upon Hull, East Yorkshire, GB, HU1 1AA)

Vestacy

Vestacy is a standalone company (carved out from Reckitt) with a clear purpose: to transform houses into homes. We’re home to some of the world’s most trusted brands (Air Wick, Calgon, Cillit Bang, and Mortein) helping millions of people care for the spaces they live in every day.

Backed by Advent, a leading global private equity firm, we have the freedom to think big and move fast. With almost 3,000 colleagues across 20+ countries, we see every person as a Founder, empowered to make bold decisions and shape what’s next.

We care for our company the way you care for your own home: with energy, passion, and pride. Here, you’ll find space to grow, opportunities to lead, and the support to thrive. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

Research & Development

In Research and Development, we're full of highly skilled talents – all working to create cleaner homes. We continually seek out new opportunities by using science, our entrepreneurial flare and our fearless innovation to develop and enhance our existing portfolio, never compromising on quality or performance.

We do the right thing, always, by ensuring we act with responsibility and integrity, by complying with regulatory legislation across the globe, whilst ensuring our products are safe for our consumers and are to the highest quality.

The size of our organisation means you'll have the opportunity to learn and work in different functions within R&D, giving you exposure to different disciplines, teams and environments. You will also have access to our Research and Development Academy, designed to develop our team and allow you to grow in our great organisation.

About the role

We are hiring an R&D Assistant within our Aircare team at Essential Home. You will be responsible to deliver reliable technical support and laboratory work to support successful implementation of assigned delivery projects.

This is a fast paced and dynamic role to assist and drive implementing assigned delivery projects and initiatives from proof of principle feasibility to successful launch into market. In this role ownership, agility to learn and a strong scientific background is strongly required. 

Your responsibilities

• Assume ownership for R&D projects, by implementing formulation/device feasibility work, analysis, validation, stability testing, industrial trials and dossier preparation, ensuring they are performed on time and to the required internal and external standards and market conditions.
• Support the instant action and auto-spray formats (room spray, aerosols & Active Fresh).
• Maintain good communication with other teams and functions to accomplish objectives.
• Knowledgeable with basic laboratory techniques for working at the bench
• Understand the Product Development Process within the team.
• Read, understand and apply SOP/ GLP protocols with regards to:
  • Proper operation, standardization & maintenance of lab equipment
  • Maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks
  • Following the Safety and Good Housekeeping requirements
  • To be responsible for ensuring that all activities conform to legislative, Health and Safety and Environmental requirements, including the adoption and tracking of laboratory best practices
• Able to manage implementation of NPDs/EPDs under the supervision of R&D associate or manager.
• Ensure that the Project development elements are carried out for each project, in collaboration with the team for example:
  • Production of lab samples and samples for consumer testing
  • Performance tests
  • Stability tests
  • Claim support for marketing claims
  • Support cost-saving initiatives
• Prepare career development objectives with assistance from line manager

The experience we're looking for

• Self-starting and capable of working independently and in a team environment.
• Project Management skills awareness
• Good formulation knowledge and understand of chemical interactions
• Ability to interpret results from lab tests through statistical analysis of testing data
• Good negotiating and interpersonal skills
• Good organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to identify and communicate risks
• Capable of building strong working relationships and strong networking skills
• Good analytical skills
• Strong intellectual curiosity, appetite for exploring new and previously uncharted territories
• Good communication skills both written and oral in English and good presentation skills

The skills for success

What we offer

We believe great work deserves great rewards. That’s why we offer numerous local benefits and global benefits designed to help you grow and thrive, such as career mobility opportunities, a referral program, access to our online learning academy, mental wellbeing support, and short-term bonus incentives.

Equality

We believe the best teams are built like great homes: on strong foundations and room to grow. That’s why we hire for potential as well as experience. If you resonate with our purpose, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t tick every box. We’re committed to equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, ability, background, identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. Together, we create a space where everyone can thrive.