Senior Scientist II, Photoprotection Application Domain, L'Oréal Research & Innovation

About the role

The Senior Scientist II, Photoprotection Application Domain, plays a pivotal role in transforming groundbreaking research into the next generation of sun care technology. Reporting to the Director of the Photoprotection Application Domain, you will lead high-impact research projects, manage a worldwide scientific network, and coordinate with internal and external collaborators to drive innovation.

Responsibilities

• Drive high-impact research projects from conception to final delivery.
• Manage, coordinate, and align the project core team and cross-functional supporting teams to successfully achieve strategic project directives.
• Coordinate cross-functional collaborations with fellow scientists, global R&I counterparts, academic institutions, and external partners to continuously expand expertise and unlock new scientific possibilities.
• Oversee research and testing strategies, design, execute, and steer comprehensive research and testing strategies, ensuring product robustness, scientific rigor, and the highest standards of quality and performance.
• Translate complex research findings into clear, compelling insights to drive technology transfer to Development Laboratories and inform L'Oréal's broader innovation pipeline.
• Maintain hands-on lab excellence by performing laboratory work for complex analysis, characterization, and formulation, integrating innovative raw materials and pioneering formulation strategies to set new benchmarks in photoprotection performance, sensoriality, and sustainability.
• Promote scientific curiosity and mentor junior team members by deepening collective understanding of UV filters, photoprotection mechanisms, and sun care formulation science, exploring emerging domains and fostering a collaborative environment.

Requirements

• A PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline is required.
• Candidates with a Master's degree and more than 4 years of relevant formulation research and project leadership experience will also be considered.
• Proven research success in a physical science field, with a demonstrated ability to take complex projects from scientific conception through to robust, tangible outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience acting as a project leader, with a track record of coordinating multi-disciplinary core teams and aligning supporting stakeholders.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: optics, imaging, spectroscopy, photochemistry, UV science, or sunscreen formulation technology.
• Strong hands-on laboratory experience in formulation research, including design of experiments, characterization of raw materials, and finished formulas.
• Proven capability in managing project milestones, timelines, and deliverables in a highly fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Experience in medical sciences is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Education: A PhD in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with a Master's degree and more than 4 years of relevant formulation research and project leadership experience will also be considered.

Skills

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to motivate and align diverse teams toward a shared vision.
• Sound judgment and creative thinking, leveraging all available expertise to overcome complex technical and organizational challenges.
• Ability to take full ownership of project scope with courage, transparency, and a results-driven mindset.
• Knowledge of UV science, optics, photochemistry, and sunscreen formulation technology.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in formulation research, including design of experiments, characterization of raw materials, and finished formulas.
• Experience in managing project milestones, timelines, and deliverables in a highly fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Experience in medical sciences is a plus but not required.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan, and flexible time off.
• Hybrid work policy allowing up to 2 days per week remote work.
• Flexible time off including paid company holidays, vacation, vacation buy program, volunteer time, and summer Fridays.
• Access to company perks such as VIP access to L'Oréal's Internal Shop for discounted products, monthly mobile allowance, and learning and development opportunities.
• Employee resource groups including Think Tanks and Innovation Squads.
• Access to mental health and wellness programs.

Pay

$90,200 - $128,500 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)

Schedule

Full-time, permanent, ongoing basis. Must be able to work onsite at least 3 days a week.