Chemist, Hair Color Formulation Development, L'Oreal Research & Innovation

About the Role

L'Oréal Research & Innovation is seeking a Chemist to join the Hair Color Development team at the Clark, New Jersey facility. This is a hands-on, bench-level formulation role for a scientist who loves the craft of chemistry — someone who finds as much satisfaction in a perfectly optimized formula as in the moment a consumer falls in love with a new shade.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation of innovative hair color products at the bench — initiating project concepts, developing research objectives, and independently driving multiple significant R&I projects from ideation through completion, with limited supervision and a strong bias for results.
• Investigate and resolve complex formulation challenges with scientific rigor and creative problem-solving, bringing a proactive, solutions-first mindset to every technical obstacle encountered.
• Mobilize and coordinate cross-functional contributors — both internally and externally — ensuring the right technical resources, expertise, and timelines are in place to meet project targets and brand launch commitments.
• Monitor formula quality and conformity, ensuring every formulation meets the highest standards of performance, safety, and regulatory compliance throughout the development lifecycle.
• Act as a scientific champion and trusted advisor across projects — providing expert guidance, playing an active advisory role, and helping cross-functional partners navigate technical trade-offs with confidence.
• Stay at the forefront of hair color science, continuously monitoring scientific literature, patent landscapes, raw material innovations, emerging processing methodologies, and evolving consumer and marketing trends to fuel the next wave of innovation.
• Drive deep cross-functional collaboration across departments and divisions — including Marketing, Manufacturing, Safety, and Regulatory — as well as with external partners and suppliers, serving as a key connector between science and business.

Qualifications

• Education: Completed Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific field.
• Experience: 1–3 years of experience in hair product development, formulation research, or a related R&I environment. Prior experience specifically in hair color formulation is preferred.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Scientific knowledge in hair color formulations and hair science, with a solid understanding of the chemistry underpinning color development, deposition, and longevity.
  • Intermediate knowledge of product innovation and development processes, including stage-gate workflows and project prioritization.
  • Proficiency in formulation techniques, analytical methods, and laboratory systems relevant to hair care product development.
  • Developing cross-disciplinary scientific background with the ability to connect knowledge across chemistry, biology, and consumer science domains.
  • Intermediate proficiency with applicable IT and R&I laboratory systems.
• Soft Skills & Attributes:
  • A hands-on, bench-first mentality — you love the science, you love the lab, and you bring energy and precision to every experiment.
  • Strong communication skills across formats — oral, written, and presentation — with the ability to convey complex technical findings clearly to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
  • Proven project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and deliver on time without sacrificing quality.
  • A collaborative team player who thrives in an internal network, builds strong relationships across functions, and proactively shares knowledge.
  • A curious, growth-oriented mindset — always eager to learn new techniques, explore adjacent scientific domains, and challenge your own assumptions.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis is required. No immigration support/sponsorship offered for this role.
• The ability to be onsite in the office 3 days a week, including NY and NJ sites (required).

Pay & Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $65,400 – $91,500 (actual compensation depends on job-related factors including geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level).
• Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan.
• Hybrid Work Policy: Up to 2 days per week work from home for eligible roles, subject to manager approval.
• Flexible Time Off: Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More.
• Company Perks: VIP Access to L'Oréal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance.
• Learning and Development Opportunities: Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More.
• Employee Resource Groups: Think Tanks and Innovation Squads.
• Mental Health & Wellness Programs: Access provided.