Principal Scientist - Hair Color

COMBE INCORPORATED. • White Plains, NY

25d • $105,000 - $125,000

About The Position

This role leads formulation and new product development for Just For Men® hair and beard color products across global markets. You'll develop new formulations, expand shade ranges, explore emerging raw materials, and validate performance through testing. Your work directly influences innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction across one of our most iconic brands.

Requirements

• Strong technical expertise in formulation science, hair color chemistry, and shade development.
• Deep understanding of hair structure, surfactants, polymers, emulsions, and color chemistry.
• Knowledge of global regulatory and safety requirements in hair color/hair care.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong collaborator in cross‑functional environments.
• Experience conducting product testing and leveraging data to drive decisions.
• Innovative thinker with ability to streamline processes and drive technical excellence.
• B.S. or M.S. required; Advanced degree preferred in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field.
• Minimum 6–10 years of R&D and formulation experience in oxidative (permanent) hair color, hair care, and/or scalp care.
• Experience with patents, patent analysis, and technical publications in the hair color/hair care space.

Responsibilities

• Create and advance new formulations for permanent and temporary hair color products, centered around consumer insights and scientific rigor.
• Develop complementary hair care products — shampoos, conditioners, and scalp treatments — using the latest color‑care and scalp‑care technologies.
• Lead multiple projects from concept to launch following the Combe Star process, collaborating across R&D, Marketing, Packaging, Manufacturing, and Quality.
• Optimize formula performance using deep knowledge of raw materials, surfactants, emulsions, and polymers.
• Conduct stability, physicochemical, and efficacy testing, including instrumental analysis on hair swatches and support of salon/consumer studies.
• Partner with Marketing to refine product concepts and develop scientifically supported claims and substantiation.
• Resolve formulation, stability, and processing challenges during development and scale‑up.
• Ensure compliance with global hair dye regulations and safety standards in collaboration with our Safety team.
• Monitor competitor launches, formulas, technologies, shade expansions, and patent activity to inform innovation.
• Partner with suppliers to identify and adopt new technologies supporting long‑term business growth.
• This position requires a small amount of travel.

Benefits

• Office-based employees receive partial lunch subsidies, ensuring you savor mouthwatering meals without breaking the bank.
• Annual discretionary bonus
• Outstanding healthcare options prioritizing your physical and mental wellness.
• 401(k) match with Profit Sharing to secure your financial future.
• Health and Wellness Initiatives, including gym membership reimbursement, wellness workshops, and mental health support.
• Tuition reimbursement opportunities
• Compensation: $105,000 - $125,000 DOE

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level