Principal Scientist - Clinical and Scientist Affairs

ELC Beauty LLC•Town of Huntington, NY

12d•$110,000 - $125,000

About The Position

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is seeking a highly collaborative Principal Scientist to serve as a liaison between Research & Development (R&D) teams and Brand Marketing, to develop novel claims. This individual will play a critical role in translating marketing consumer concepts into actionable and scientifically supportable data, and also translating complex scientific data into compelling product stories, ensuring scientific credibility while aligning with brand strategy and consumer expectations. The Principal Scientist, Claims & Substantiation (R&D) is responsible for the management and execution of clinical projects related to the Estee Lauder brand. This role establishes successful partnerships with various functions in R&D, Product Development and Legal to build superior and innovative clinical strategies and drive clinical initiatives to successful outcomes. The role works with Clinical Operations partners to develop protocols, assist in the execution of studies, review data and report findings to partners. Additionally, the role identifies new capabilities, methodologies, and processes to bring innovation and efficiencies.

Requirements

PhD degree in relevant Sciences (eg Biology, Chemistry, Engineering) or PharmD (PhD + 5 years experience, BS + 10 years experience) - More experience required without PhD
5+ Years experience in the dermatology, skin care or personal care industry with experience in claims support, clinical testing, or research experience in relevant fields.
Demonstrated track record in translation of technical concepts for non-technical audiences.
Working knowledge of skincare-related clinical methodologies and protocols (ie bio-instrumentation, clinical grading, clinical imaging and image analyses).
Proven experience in clinical method development.
Exceptional communication skills, with ability to translate technical data into engaging stories for non-technical audiences.
Proven ability to manage multiple projects and work effectively across functions, within R&D and with commercial partners such as Marketing or Product Development.

Responsibilities

Design and Execute Substantiation Strategies: Develop scientific substantiation plans for product claims (clinical efficacy and tolerance mainly) within the skincare category on select projects/brands.
Help translate upstream innovation and ingredients’ mechanisms of action into actionable clinical strategies.
Analyze internal and external in vitro, ex vivo, and clinical data (inclusive of the scientific literature) to confirm the validity of product benefits and the consumer relevance of the claims.
Partner with Clinical Testing, Clinical translation, and Consumer Sciences teams to develop innovative protocols for claim substantiation and ensure robust data generation.
Scientific Interpretation & Communication: Translate complex scientific findings into clear, compelling product stories for Marketing and Product Development.
Prepare claims dossiers, data summaries, and technical presentations for internal review.
Cross-Functional Partnership: Collaborate closely across all R&D functions and with Product Development/Marketing, Consumer Insights and Legal teams to drive innovation and ensure claim validity and fit.
Serve as a scientific advisor during new product development, guiding feasible and differentiating claims early in formulation.
Regulatory & Compliance Oversight: Ensure claims are aligned with the global regulatory requirements.
Maintain awareness of emerging scientific and consumer trends influencing skincare substantiation.