Scientist, Hair Colorist/Stylist, Sensory/Expert Evaluation, L'Oréal Research & Innovation - Clark, New Jersey
Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.
Who We Are
Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.
At L’Oréal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 3,500 L'Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people’s lives.
The role of a Scientist within Evaluation Intelligence – Sensory/Expert Science involves building deep technical product knowledge using evaluation methods. This role will use analytical/strategic thinking and collaboration skills to design, execute and deliver testing and results for the different L’Oreal US brands. We are looking for a licensed cosmetologist to apply products on consumers at our testing facility and provide both objective/numerical and subjective feedback. This role will sit out of our Clark, New Jersey R&I facility.
A Day in the Life:
- Responsible for high quality, accurate assessment of formula performance according to sensory/expert methods and protocols in the following categories: hair color (temporary, demi-, permanent, lighteners)
- Executes sensory/expert studies, including ensuring clear objectives and instructions, experimental design, recruitment criteria, questionnaire relevancy, quality assurance, formula proposal, analysis
- Analyzes test results, synthesizes the information and writes reports to meet business objectives
- Communicates and presents findings to key stakeholders (local and global), project leaders and management
- Coordinates internal workshops
- Participates in training new team members as they validate and calibrate in sensory/expert evaluation methods, protocols and rating scales
- Provides L’Oreal evaluation software support to others (DNA, Actiview, etc.)
- Partners with formulators/Labs and Product Performance Managers (PPMs) on project objectives and priorities to help execute studies and manage workload strategically
- Develops strong relationships within cross functional teams; including hybrid testing, partnering with consumer and/or instrumental teams
- Supports new, forward thinking evaluation techniques, methodologies and strategies for the future of sensory/expert evaluation, providing recommendation(s) on the test design based on project objective
- Supports creative and digital capabilities to enhance research learnings and communication of results
- Builds and maintains relationships with sensory/expert/consumer/claims/IE scientists, formulators and global partners
- May oversee contractors
- Onsite work is required 4-5 days per week
- May require domestic and/or international travel for special operations or presentations
- General housekeeping of Evaluation Center and workspace
- Performs other duties as assigned
We Are Looking For:
- Education: BS in Cosmetic Science, Food Science, Chemistry, Business/Marketing, Psychology, Sensory Science, Cognitive Science, or related field required. Active NJ state cosmetologist license and previous salon experience required
- 1-3 years of industry experience required
- Experience in color reading required
- Experience in technical product testing, experimental design and analysis skills a plus
- Ability to routinely perform hair applications, styling, and blow drying
- Ability to stand up to 6 hours per day2
- Experience with building dashboards is a plus
- Experience with Cosmetic industry is a plus
- Bilingual in English and Spanish is a plus
- Experience with innovative and creative methodologies and consumer/professional centric approaches a plus.
- High level of passion for consumer centricity during the product development process
- Self-motivated and ability to work independently
- Able to translate evaluation plans into actionable recommendations of testing to drive exceptional consumer satisfaction.
- Strong leadership skills to drive agile product design and development teams
- Willingness to work with digital and Artificial Intelligence platforms
- Previous project management experience a plus; clear understanding of project set-up and timelines
- Flexibility 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
- Proficient in MS Office, data entry and some knowledge of statistical software programs
- Authorization to work in the U.S. on a permanent, ongoing basis is required. No immigration support/sponsorship offered for this role
- The ability to be onsite, in the office 4-5 days a week as an essential function of the position.
What’s In It For You
- A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you’ll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
- Real responsibility from day 1, there’s no sitting on the sidelines at L’Oréal
- An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
- A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
- Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
- Base Salary Range: $65,400 - $91,500 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
- 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, 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)
- Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs
Don’t meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.