R&D Associate - Condoms ( 1 year Contract)

We are Reckitt

Home to the world's best loved and trusted hygiene, health, and nutrition brands. Our purpose defines why we exist: to protect, heal and nurture in the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. We are a global team united by this purpose. Join us in our fight to make access to the highest quality hygiene, wellness, and nourishment a right and not a privilege.

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In Research and Development, we're full of highly skilled talents that include Scientists, Engineers, Medical, Clinical and Regulatory professionals - all working to create a cleaner, healthier world. With nine Centres of Excellence, 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

As an R&D Associate, you will play a key role in delivering product development projects across the Durex R&D portfolio. You will lead end-to-end (E2E) projects from concept through to market launch, or take ownership of a specific workstream within larger, more complex technical projects, depending on business needs. Your work will contribute directly to the development of innovative, consumer-preferred products and support their successful transition into full-scale production and commercial launch.

This role requires the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary project team. You will be responsible for balancing project opportunities, costs, timelines, and technical constraints to deliver high-quality outcomes. Strong organizational, technical, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to take ownership of key project deliverables and drive progress in a dynamic environment.

The role may also involve coaching or line management responsibilities for R&D Assistants or junior R&D Associates. Success in this position requires both theoretical and practical expertise in relevant Durex technologies, such as formulation and process development, as well as a solid understanding of applicable regulatory and legislative requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about innovation, enjoys solving technical challenges, and wants to make a meaningful impact through the development of products trusted by consumers around the world.

Your responsibilities

• Lead and execute product development activities in line with agreed project timelines, proactively identifying and escalating risks or issues to ensure successful delivery. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, both internal and external, to achieve technical milestones and project objectives. 
• Plan, coordinate, and support factory trials, product qualification testing, and validation activities prior to commercialization.
• Ensure product specifications, technical documentation, and development records are accurate, complete, and approved before full-scale production.
• Provide guidance and support to R&D Assistants and junior Associates, including coaching and development opportunities where applicable.
• Apply consumer insights and market understanding to support the design and development of consumer-preferred products.
• Balance product performance, technical robustness, quality requirements, and cost targets throughout the development process.
• Develop and implement effective evaluation methodologies to support sustainable, consumer-relevant product claims.
• Contribute to idea generation, concept development, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure intellectual property (IP) considerations are appropriately assessed and addressed during product development. 
• Prepare, review, and communicate technical reports and project updates throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure all development activities comply with applicable regulatory, quality, safety, health, and environmental requirements.

The experience we're looking for

• Minimum of an undergraduate degree in a scientific field relevant to the product technologies within the portfolio.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in either healthcare/FMCG product development or in the medical‑device industry, with focus on design control, risk management, or quality management.
• Experience in line management is preferred but not essential.
  
  • Knowledge or experience in the following areas is preferred:
  • ISO 13485 – Quality management systems for medical devices, especially product realisation.
  • ISO 14971 – Risk management for medical devices, or other risk‑management methodologies (e.g., FMEA).
  • BS EN 62366 – Usability engineering for medical devices.
  • Design controls.

The skills for success

• Results-oriented with strong planning, time management, and organizational skills, along with the ability to work independently and take initiative. 
  Experience working within large multinational organizations and complex cross-functional environments. 
  Adaptable and open to change, with the ability to challenge conventional thinking and generate innovative solutions. 
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to perform effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities. 
• A proactive and entrepreneurial mindset, coupled with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with a structured approach to decision-making. 
• Collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships across functions and cultures.
• Pilot plant, scale-up, or industrialization experience is advantageous. 
• Global mindset with the ability to work across functional boundaries and develop a strong understanding of business and commercial objectives.
• Naturally curious, with a desire to explore new ideas, technologies, and opportunities to drive product innovation. 
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while consistently delivering high-quality results and meeting deadlines.

What we offer

With inclusion at the heart of everything we do, working alongside our four global Employee Resource Groups, we support our people at every step of their career journey, helping them to succeed in their own individual way. We invest in the wellbeing of our people through parental benefits, an Employee Assistance Program to promote mental health, and life insurance for all employees globally. We have a range of other benefits in line with the local market. Through our global share plans we offer the opportunity to save and share in Reckitt's potential future successes. For eligible roles, we also offer short-term incentives to recognise, appreciate and reward your work for delivering outstanding results. You will be rewarded in line with Reckitt's pay for performance philosophy.

Equality

We recognise that in real life, great people don't always 'tick all the boxes'. That's why we hire for potential as well as experience. Even if you don't meet every point on the job description, if this role and our company feels like a good fit for you, we still want to hear from you. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, disability or medical condition; colour, ethnicity, race, citizenship, and national origin; religion, faith; pregnancy, family status and caring responsibilities; sexual orientation; sex, gender identity, gender expression, and transgender identity; protected veteran status; size or any other basis protected by appropriate law.