Sr. Scientist Product Development R&D

Kenvue•Summit, NJ

1d•$105,400 - $148,800•Hybrid

About The Position

The Product Development Senior Scientist develops new baby products aligned with brand strategies and the product pipeline. The role conducts Design of Experiments, laboratory work, stability analyses, and product lifecycle technical support, including post-commercialization troubleshooting. It identifies project obstacles and technical risks, uses data to assess mitigation options, analyzes market and competitive trends to support product differentiation, and defines critical process parameters in collaboration with manufacturing sites. The position works with regional and global cross-functional teams to execute product development programs, manages multiple projects and deliverables, keeps stakeholders informed, and maintains accurate project records. The scientist drafts technical documents such as development summaries, specifications, peer-reviewed manuscripts, and patent filings, while following established processes and standards such as GDP and GLP. The role also independently leads assigned projects and complex workstreams, provides technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists, and supports quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. The role reports to the Manager Baby Care R and D and is based in Summit, New Jersey, with a hybrid work arrangement. Kenvue describes its culture as focused on care, science, innovation, and collaboration. The stated annual base salary range for new hires is $105,400 to $148,800, depending on factors including location, skills, experience, and education. The posting also mentions a competitive benefits package, paid company holidays, paid vacation, volunteer time, learning and development opportunities, and Kenvuer Impact Networks; offerings may vary by location or region.

Requirements

A relevant bachelor's degree in Science, Engineering, or Pharmacy with pharmaceutical or consumer products experience, plus at least 5 years of related industry experience; or a master's degree with 3–5 years of related experience; or a relevant PhD.
Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully with multidisciplinary teams in a matrixed environment.
Ability to handle routine processes and complexity, take risks, and make decisions.
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks.
Technical writing skills for producing complete and accurate documents.
Ability to work cross-functionally in a team environment while contributing as an individual contributor.
Proficiency with MS Office, including Word and Excel.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Experience requirement is 5 or more years with a bachelor's degree or 3 or more years with a master's or PhD.

Nice To Haves

A degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Pharmacy, Material Science, or another science or engineering discipline.
Ability to translate scientific insights into meaningful communications for consumers and health care professionals.
Experience with consumer products such as skin care, emulsions, cleansers, hair care, oral care, baby care, and/or deodorant products.
A strong technical foundation in formulated products, including emulsions, surfactants, suspensions, and structured liquids, and understanding of material chemistry.
Experience collaborating with external partners, including manufacturing vendors and suppliers, and experience in technical project management.
Familiarity with cGMP and other regulatory requirements.
Effective presentation skills for communicating clearly and informatively.

Responsibilities

Formulate new products aligned with the Baby brand strategy and pipeline, with supervisor oversight.
Conduct Design of Experiments, laboratory activities, and analyses through hands-on involvement.
Provide technical support for product lifecycle management, post-commercialization support, and troubleshooting.
Identify project obstacles and technical risks, evaluate potential solutions, and use data-driven decision-making to minimize impact.
Analyze market trends and the competitive landscape to identify insights that enhance product uniqueness and differentiation.
Define critical process parameters and collaborate with manufacturing sites to establish process controls.
Participate in regional and/or global cross-functional project teams to execute new products.
Plan and prioritize multiple projects and tasks, monitor ongoing activities, meet deliverables, and update stakeholders.
Maintain accurate and organized project documents, data, and materials.
Manage routine organizational processes and complexity.
Draft and complete technical documents, including peer-reviewed manuscripts, development summary reports, specifications, and patent filings.
Independently lead assigned projects and technical workstreams, communicating progress, risks, mitigation plans, and recommendations to stakeholders.
Provide technical coaching and mentorship to junior scientists and share best practices.
Lead complex product development programs with technical leadership, influence cross-functional decisions, manage risks, and drive business objectives.
Follow established standards and processes, including GDP and GLP, to meet quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.