Application Scientist (Haircare/Skincare)

YSQ International; Klang City; On-site; MYR 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cosmetics company in Klang City is seeking a Development Scientist to lead research activities in haircare and skincare product development. The role requires at least 2 years of relevant experience, strong technical knowledge, and the ability to manage projects independently. Responsibilities include conducting laboratory tests, maintaining records, and proposing improvements to align with sustainability goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of development experience in haircare/skincare.
• Ability to lead projects independently and seek innovative solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead haircare and skincare research activities and manage product evaluations.
• Conduct laboratory tests to ensure product safety and efficacy.
• Maintain records of formulas and test results for data integrity.
• Support continuous improvement and drive R&D initiatives.

Skills

Product development

Formulation

Project management

Innovation

Laboratory testing

Technical knowledge of ingredients

Education

Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or Chemical Engineering

Job description

The incumbent shall be responsible for formulation product development within haircare/skincare, including formula development, assess and evaluate market product, sample preparation and costing. He/She will be expected to work on multiple projects designing experiments to support product development and product performance evaluation.

He/she shall be actively involved in open innovations projects, research and development work and gauge performance by establishing quality standards; developing operations, quality, and troubleshooting procedures; ensuring staff compliance; certifying instrument performance etc.

The role shall work closely with key senior personnel and management in understanding the needs of the company and meeting timelines in producing desired research results. The main duties of the incumbent can be summarized as follows:

Responsibilities and Duties

• Lead all haircare and skincare research activities, including proof-of-concept studies, experimental set-up, process development and optimization, product evaluation, and operational risk/hazard reviews.
• Formulate and define product design and performance objectives in alignment with regulatory requirements.
• Conduct laboratory tests to evaluate product prototypes for safety, stability, efficacy, and sensory attributes such as texture and feel.
• Analyze and benchmark market haircare/skincare products and ingredients; troubleshoot and optimize formulation challenges to bridge the gap between new in-house developments and market standards. Provide insights and feedback to strengthen future product development.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of formulas, procedures, and test results to ensure full data integrity and traceability.
• Manage prototype evaluations and refine formulations based on performance data and user feedback.
• Oversee stability testing, interpret results, and implement improvements to enhance product quality and performance.
• Support production scale-up by collaborating with the manufacturing plant on process design, production trials, pre-commercialization testing, and process optimization.
• Drive continuous process improvements by identifying inefficiencies, addressing process gaps, and implementing effective solutions.
• Propose and support R&D initiatives on waste management to align with the company’s sustainability goals and best practices.
• Perform other ad-hoc duties as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Requirements

• A Bachelor, Masters or Ph.D in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering or any equivalent degree.
• Minimum 2 years of development experience including product development, formulation, process development, innovation, or related roles preferably in haircare/skincare manufacturing environment.
• Excellent technical knowledge of haircare/skincare products and raw materials relating to their use and functions.
• Ability to lead and manage projects independently, seek innovative solutions, continuous improvement of product and process, and drive results to completion on schedule.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize work while multitasking.
• Demonstrate motivation and excellent work ethic.
• Must work effectively in team environments.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.