Senior Chemist II, Hair Color Development, L'Oréal Research & Innovation

Sr. Chemist II – Hair Color Development, Research & Innovation

The role of a Senior Chemist II within the Hair Color Development research team – R&I requires a talented and experienced researcher who can successfully deliver creative hair color formulas and products to support brand/category innovation strategies. This role will require analytical, strategic thinking and collaboration skills to ensure commitments are met for the successful execution of L’Oreal hair color launches.

Job Responsibilities :

• Creates new, innovative, and sustainable hair color products and, independently refines formulas when necessary, and proposes new technical concepts in the field of hair coloration.
• Independently manages multiple significant projects from inception to officialization to meet launch deadlines and mobilizes/coordinates project stakeholders.
• Responsible for initiating project concepts, developing objectives, plans, assigning priorities & completing multiple, significant R&I projects independently.
• Understanding of diverse and emerging consumer need gaps and trends and translates into technical problems and solutions.
• Functions as a product champion via extensive inter-departmental and inter-divisional company interaction and networking both locally and globally.
• Ensures implementation of necessary technical resources to meet targets and deadlines.
• Provides scientific expertise & plays an advisory role to ensure projects run smoothly.
• Partners with other formulators, project/group leaders and Evaluation Category Leaders on project objectives and priorities to help execute studies and manage workload strategically.
• Provides training and mentoring to technical staff on project basis.
• Acts as resource in lab including technical, analysis, and reporting support.
• Interfaces with cross-functional partners including marketing & operations to meet project timelines.
• Proactively assesses risks and anticipates challenges including: retro-plan timing, cost, safety, formulation, packaging, etc.
• Independently investigates and troubleshoots complex research problems and offers technically robust solutions with key stakeholder alignment.
• Responsible for product quality, documentation, stability, and data management utilizing various digital tools.
• Accurately assesses, tracks, and summarizes formula performance including stability, compatibility, regulatory, safety, Expert/salon, consumer testing, instrumental.
• Ensures smooth transfer to scale-up / manufacturing.
• Keen eye regarding color acuity to perform visual assessments / shade matching.
• Delivers full analysis and test results, synthesizes the information and writes reports to meet business objectives.
• Communicates and presents findings to key stakeholders, project leaders and management.
• Maintains knowledge of haircolor scientific literature, raw materials specifically oxidative dyes, hair colorant technologies, and patent landscape.
• Maintains a safe and organized laboratory environment.
• Oversees contractors and/or co-ops.

Requirements :

• 5+ years of relevant technical / research industry experience.
• Experience in personal care / beauty industries is preferred.
• Experience with color science, hair science, and/or color theory is preferred.
• BS or Master's in a scientific and/or engineering field of study.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Advanced knowledge of product innovation and development processes.
• Advanced knowledge of applicable IT and R&I laboratory systems.
• High level of passion for beauty/cosmetics industry: specifically color and hair products.
• Self-motivated and agile to work on multiple projects with a deadline-driven deliverable.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation (written/oral) and organizational skills.
• Confident engaging with and presenting to senior executives.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the US on an on-going basis.