Analytical Chemist

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team to provide analytical support for the research and development of new hair care technologies and products.
• Develop, validate, and implement robust analytical methods for raw materials, in-process samples, and finished hair care products.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and maintain analytical instrumentation, including GC/MS, HPLC, GPC, FTIR, Raman, UV-vis, and other instruments.
• Author and maintain analytical documentation, including test methods, validation protocols, SOPs, and technical summaries.
• Interpret chromatographic, spectroscopic and other relevant analytical and performance testing data to generate clear, actionable technical reports.
• Lead QA/QC activities related to production batch release to ensure compliance with product specifications.
• Career method transfers to external contract manufacturers and laboratories, including preparation of transfer protocols, technical documentation, and troubleshooting support during implementation.
• Provide analytical support for product claims substantiation, designing and executing data-driven experiments that demonstrate product performance and efficacy.
• Support the Research team in establishing appropriate experiments to establish POC (Proof-of Concept) and POP (Proof-of-Performance) for new technologies.
• Contribute to a culture of scientific innovation by exploring and implementing emerging analytical methodologies.
• Identify and apply analytical techniques to characterize product attributes and establish scientific modes-of-action for new technologies.
• Present analytical findings and program updates to internal stakeholders and cross-functional teams, as well as external partners.

Skills and Experience

• Significant hands-on experience with HPLC and GC/MS, including method development, validation, quantitative analysis, and instrument maintenance.
• Proficiency in analyzing polymers, hair, and proteins by GPC, HPLC, and related techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, including data interpretation, processing and chemometric modeling.
• Experience working in a GMP/GLP/ISO9001 environment, and knowledge of relevant regulatory guidelines (FDA, ICH, ISO, REACH, etc.).
• Practical experience analyzing and preparing complex sample matrices (e.g., emulsions, gels, waxes, and aerosols).
• Demonstrated passion, curiosity, and creativity regarding upstream innovation opportunities and downstream new product development and claims substantiation.
• Proved track record of thinking out-of-box with regards problem solving.
• Self-starter with proven ability to effectively lead all technical aspects of projects, manage risk, execute tasks within defined program timelines and work independently with limited oversight.
• Experience with claims substantiation and development of technical techniques to measure product performance attributes (preferred).
• Excellent organization, planning and multi-tasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Professional Qualifications

• MS/PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or closely related field.
• Minimum of three years of relevant analytical experience (e.g., method development, instrument troubleshooting).
• Hair care or related beauty industry experience highly preferred.