Senior Scientist I, Cosmetics Product Safety & Toxicology, LOréal Research & Innovation (Hybrid)

L'Oréal - Clark, NJ

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Clark, NJ

1,001-5,000 employees

Health and Personal Care Retailers

About the position

L'Oréal Research & Innovation (R&I) is seeking a Senior Scientist I in Cosmetics Product Safety & Toxicology to join our Product Safety team in Clark, New Jersey. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety evaluation, testing, and documentation of raw materials and finished formulations developed or acquired by L'Oréal USA, in compliance with global regulations and guidelines. The individual will be a critical member of a multidisciplinary team responsible for building the safety assessments of the future at L'Oréal. This position requires a deep understanding of toxicology and risk assessment principles, as well as expertise in computational toxicology and new approach methodologies (NAMs) such as in silico predictions and PBPK modeling. As a Senior Scientist I, you will conduct comprehensive safety assessments that adhere to global regulations for a variety of cosmetic products, including skin, hair, make-up, and fragrance items. You will evaluate ingredients and formulations, providing safety approvals and compiling Cosmetic Safety Reports to ensure compliance with EU and other global regulations. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will interact with various internal groups to ensure that sufficient supporting data is developed and executed to substantiate the safety of raw materials and finished formulations. You will also represent the Product Safety team in product development meetings, offering safety support for new and existing products. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, enabling them to convey clear recommendations on safety issues to both scientific and non-scientific audiences. This position requires a Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Toxicology or a closely related field, along with 0-3 years of post-PhD experience in the cosmetics or personal care industries. A strong foundation in general toxicology concepts, particularly skin/eye irritation, skin sensitization, genotoxicity, and phototoxicity, is preferred. The ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment is essential, as is the requirement to be onsite in the office as part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Conduct robust safety assessments that meet global regulations on raw materials and finished formulations for a category of products (e.g. Skin, Hair, Make-up or Fragrance) including OTC products.
• Evaluate ingredients, raw materials and formulations for internal and external labs based on risk assessments conducted and communicate safety approvals through product specific meetings.
• Assist with compiling and reviewing of Cosmetic Safety Reports for compliance with EU and other global regulations.
• Interact and collaborate with various groups within the organization, to ensure sufficient supporting data (in silico, in vitro, and/or clinical safety studies) is developed and executed to substantiate safety of raw materials and finished formulations.
• Integrate relevant data/information as needed to generate robust safety assessments.
• Participate in discussions and preparing of internal safety positions.
• Represent Product Safety at product development meetings to provide safety support of new and existing product development.
• Communicate effectively across the organization to provide clear recommendations on various safety issues to both scientific and non-scientific audiences.

Requirements

• A completed Ph.D. in Pharmacology/Toxicology or closely related field required.
• 0-3 years of post-PhD experience in cosmetics/personal care/consumer healthcare industries required.
• Expertise in general toxicology concepts, especially skin/eye irritation, skin sensitization, genotoxicity and phototoxicity preferred.
• Expertise with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and/or Computational Toxicology is highly desirable.
• Knowledge and proficiency in risk assessment principles/practices are required.
• Excellent communication (verbal, written) and interpersonal skills required.
• Well organized and flexible with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced highly matrixed environment while meeting established deadlines.
• Demonstrated skills in analyzing, reporting and documenting information with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently in a matrix environment both as a team member and as a leader.
• Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis, without the need for legal sponsorship now or in the future (required).

Nice-to-haves

• Expertise in computational toxicology and risk assessment principles.
• Experience in the cosmetics or personal care industries.

Benefits

• Corporate Short-Term Incentives (Corporate Profit-Sharing Bonus, Individual Performance Bonuses based on level)
• Competitive Benefit 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!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L'Oréal's Internal Shop for Discounted Products)
• Learning & Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs