Mariam Hussain
Rochdale,Greater Manchester
Summary
I am a highly experienced scientist with 10 years of expertise in formulation and materials science across both academic and industrial environments. Over the past 5 years, I have led a broad portfolio of projects, developing strong expertise in skin–formulation and mucosal surface interactions. I have built simulation models of the skin to enable targeted functionalities, such as long-lasting antibacterial adsorption, and am currently leading a collaborative project with Veet focused on delivering actives to the hair follicle. I have a strong track record of delivery, supported by publications and patents, and extensive experience generating and interpreting scientific data to support product performance and claims. I am highly skilled in a wide range of analytical techniques, including NMR, Raman spectroscopy, GC-MS, FT-IR, SAXS, rheology, and stability testing. My work has contributed to technologies incorporated into well-known brands such as Dettol, Durex, and Finish. I also bring significant experience in cross-functional collaboration, line management, and project leadership, with a focus on delivering high-quality, evidence-based outcomes aligned to business and consumer needs.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Scientist
Reckitt
Hull
2020.10 - Current
- A member of the Polymer and Formulation science platforms team working on early-stage innovation for a range of brands, such as Dettol, Finish, and Durex.
- I have played a key role in advancing formulation technologies at Reckitt, with a strong focus on understanding how formulations interact with the human body and relevant surfaces to deliver novel functionalities. My work centres on generating mechanistic insight into biological and physicochemical interactions, enabling the development of effective, evidence-based product performance. Over the past five years, I have led a diverse portfolio of projects across skin, mucosal, and microbial systems. This includes driving the deposition of polymers and actives on skin to achieve long-lasting antibacterial performance, enabling targeted delivery of actives into hair follicles for controlled release, and developing strategies for the stable delivery of probiotics in vaginal environments. I am also currently working on modelling penetration of actives through the skin surface. I have also led work investigating bacterial membranes to better understand and rank antibacterial efficacy.
Alongside this, I have incorporated advanced modelling approaches within cross-functional teams to enhance data-driven decision-making. Through my work, I have consistently translated scientific understanding into practical solutions that underpin product performance, robust claims, and meaningful consumer benefits. - I led the development of the modelling and simulation strategy, ensuring we prioritised multiscale modelling activities to maximise impact within a small, resource-constrained simulation team. By aligning our efforts with strategic objectives, we focused on high-value opportunities where simulations could deliver the greatest benefit. I also partnered with a diverse range of brand categories to identify where modelling and simulation could most effectively support and accelerate brand growth.
- Outstanding expertise in elastomer formulation development, detergent formulation, long lasting functionality on the skin surface and mucoadhesion exploration for products such as detergents, bar soaps, condoms, and more, which led to a range of patent applications.
- Experience in communicating complex science concepts to laypeople.
Research Fellow in Liquid Crystal Elastomers
University of Leeds
University of Leeds
2019.11 - 2020.10
- Contributed to commercialisation of auextic liquid crystal elastomers, gaining experience in elastomer production, material testing (DSC and mechanical testing), and liquid crystal characterisation, resulting in patent applications.
PhD Project
University of Leeds and P&G
2015.08 - 2019.08
- Conducted colloidal science-based PhD project sponsored by P&G in collaboration with Prof. Andrew Bayly, Dr Mamatha Nagaraj, and Dr Olivier Cayre, focusing on surfactant-polymer interactions to optimise washing powder production through cost-effective formulation without compromising quality. Communicated complex scientific and mathematical concepts to industrial sponsors clearly, ensuring understanding of achieved results, methodologies, and their relevance.
- A significant focus was on using NMR and the development of pulse sequences for 1-D and 2-D microstructure analysis of the formulations, in-situ rheology experiments to determine the structural changes during mixing and a lot of phase diagram construction.
- Applied various analytical techniques, including NMR, cryo-SEM, and rheology, to investigate material properties.
- I learnt Python, Matlab and NMR pulse programming for a wide range of uses; data processing (often quite complex processing techniques such as 2D inverse laplace transformations), running programs and presenting the resulting data.
- Demonstrated laboratory etiquette and skills to students as laboratory demonstrator, teaching software usage and fostering practical understanding of lab techniques.
Education
MEng - Chemical Engineering
University of Leeds
09.2015
PhD - Chemical Engineering
University of Leeds
08.2019
A Levels - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, General Studies, Mathematics AS
Greenhead College
06.2011
GCSEs -
Royds Hall High School
06.2009
Skills
- Product formulation
- Formulating for skin and mucousal surfaces
- Molecular dynamics simulations
- Machine Learning
- Coarse grain modelling
- Research collaboration
- Material characterization
- Project management
- Strategy Development
Patents
- PCT/GB2024/050754; Methods to reduce the Auxetic Threshold; Patent Filed 2024
- PAT15490-US-PCT - Nano Silica to Strengthen PUD; Patent Filed 2022
- PAT15549-EP-EPA1 COMPOSITION COMPRISING A COMBINATION OF LACTOFERRIN AND A SULPHATED POLYSACCHARIDE; Patent Filed 2022
Publications
- Hussain, M., Jull, E. I. L., Mandle, R. J., Raistrick, T., Hine, P. J., & Gleeson, H. F. (2021). Liquid Crystal Elastomers for Biological Applications. Nanomaterials, 11(3), 813. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030813
- Hussain, M., Nagaraj, M., Cayre, O. J., Robles, E. S. J., Tantawy, H., & Bayly, A. E. (2021). Aqueous Phase Behavior of a NaLAS–Polycarboxylate Polymer System. Langmuir, 37(17), 5099–5108. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03280
- Mistry, D., Nikkhou, M., Raistrick, T., Hussain, M., Jull, E. I. L., Baker, D. L., & Gleeson, H. F. (2020). Isotropic Liquid Crystal Elastomers as Exceptional Photoelastic Strain Sensors. Macromolecules, 53(10), 3709–3718. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.9b02456
- Chapman, M. R., Kwan, M. H. T., King, G., Jolley, K. E., Hussain, M., Hussain, S., Salama, I. E., González Niño, C., Thompson, L. A., Bayana, M. E., Clayton, A. D., Nguyen, B. N., Turner, N. J., Kapur, N., & Blacker, A. J. (2017). Simple and Versatile Laboratory Scale CSTR for Multiphasic Continuous-Flow Chemistry and Long Residence Times. Organic Process Research & Development, 21(9), 1294–1301. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.oprd.7b00173
- Colloid Chemistry and Physiochemical Perspectives, poster, St. Petersburg, 2018
- ChemEng day, poster, Birmingham, 2017
- 2018 UK Colloids Conference, oral presentation, Manchester, 2017
- BLCS Young Researcher Meeting, oral presentation, Durham, 2017
- Clever Characterisation for Future Formulations, poster, London, 2016
Languages
English
Proficient
C2
Urdu
Upper Intermediate
B2
Timeline
Senior Scientist
Reckitt
2020.10 - Current
Research Fellow in Liquid Crystal Elastomers
University of Leeds
2019.11 - 2020.10
PhD Project
University of Leeds and P&G
2015.08 - 2019.08
MEng - Chemical Engineering
University of Leeds
PhD - Chemical Engineering
University of Leeds
A Levels - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, General Studies, Mathematics AS
Greenhead College
GCSEs -
Royds Hall High School