This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working (London; Tuesdays and the first Thursday of the month in the office), 28 days holiday a year plus Bank Holidays and a fantastic pension scheme offering 6% in year one and 11% after this.

Salary £27,300 - £32,600 per annum

Please note Applicants must hold a Science based degree or suitable qualification alongside experience of conducting scientific research and analysis in a professional setting to be considered. 

Only applications that include a cover letter will be considered. Your cover letter will be no longer than the equivalent of one side of A4 and will highlight your key achievements and skills that are relevant to the Essential Criteria listed in the Role Profile. Please also share why you have applied for the role and want to work at Which?

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Scientific Adviser to join the Science Team at Which? - 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 to 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. 

​*** THE TEAM CREATED THIS VIDEO TO SHARE FURTHER INSIGHTS ABOUT THE ROLE ***

Key responsibilities include: 

You will join a team of six 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 complete, 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. 

About you:

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.

In addition to that, we are looking for someone with:

A genuine interest in consumer products -  a curiosity about how they work and how you can decide which are the best choicesA good understanding of scientific processes and a passion for scientific investigation, rigour and accuracyStrong communication and influencing skills and the ability to develop positive relationships with key stakeholders  The ability to prioritise and manage multiple projects simultaneouslyA willingness to travel, with overnight stays, to test laboratories in UK and European destinations

The interview process for this role involves:-

• 30 minute individual task followed by 1 hour interview, carried out virtually via TEAMS.

Benefits

 We also have these benefits for you to consider: 

• 35 hour working week
• Generous 28 days holiday a year plus Bank Holidays & Option to buy additional days
• Excellent pension scheme – when you pay in 3%, Which? pays in 6% (rising to 11% after one year of service.) 
• Discount site Pluxee which offers large % off every day shopping and holidays 
• Annual Award (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 & legal helplines 
• Free wills for all Which? employees, plus, partners of employees can make their will at cost price.
• Work from (almost) anywhere for 4 weeks of the year policy

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 recruitment@which.co.uk

Which? is the UK's consumer champion, here to make life simpler, fairer and safer for everyone. You can find out more about what we do, our people and culture as well as hints and tips on how to complete your application on our Careers site.

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 ranked 3rd in the ‘Top 25 Inclusive Employers' List 2024.   

 We want to receive applications from everyone. We believe that a diverse workforce helps us to understand and create a positive impact for consumers.  

As a Disability Confident Leader, we ensure that everyone can apply and be part of our recruitment processes and so we'll make reasonable adjustments if you need them. For this or any other assistance you need with applying (i.e., would like to apply by phone or post), email recruitment@which.co.uk. Find out more about the Disability Confident Interview Scheme here.

Please note you must meet the essential criteria listed within the Role Profile, to have your application reviewed. 

We reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any given time due to the number of applications received, although we hope it will be open for a minimum of 7 days (depending on the number of applications). If the advert appears closed, you are welcome to reach out to Linda Williams at linda.williams@which.co.uk who will assist you.