Associate Scientist - Clinical Testing

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global beauty company in Melville, New York, is seeking an Associate Scientist focused on clinical testing. This role involves supporting the design and execution of substantiation strategies for skincare products and contributing to scientific substantiation plans for product claims. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related science and strong skills in research, communication, and project management. An interest in skincare science is essential. Approximately 5% travel may be expected.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, understand, and critique scientific papers.
• Strong organizational planning skills.
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity and interest in skincare science.

Responsibilities

• Support design and execution of substantiation strategies.
• Contribute to scientific substantiation plans for product claims.
• Research literature and prepare ad hoc reports.

Skills

Scientific literature research

Technical report creation

Laboratory experimentation

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science or Engineering Degree

Job description

Associate Scientist – Clinical Testing – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world’s leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, with brands such as Estée Lauder, Clinique, MAC, La Mer, and many more distributed in approximately 150 countries worldwide.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and execution of substantiation strategies for assigned projects.
• Contribute to the development of 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.
• Research the scientific literature and prepare ad hoc reports.
• Contribute to the analysis of 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.
• Help translate complex scientific findings into clear, compelling product stories for Marketing and Product Development.
• Help prepare claims dossiers, data summaries, and technical presentations for internal review.
• 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.
• Help support Brand Liaisons during new product development, guiding feasible and differentiating claims early in formulation.
• Ensure claims are aligned with global regulatory requirements.
• Maintain awareness of emerging scientific and consumer trends influencing skincare substantiation.

Qualifications

• Ability to read, understand, and critique scientific papers.
• Proficient in researching scientific literature and creating technical reports.
• Experience in laboratory scientific experimentation.
• Strong organizational planning skills and project management experience.
• Demonstrated scientific curiosity and interest in skincare science.
• Excellent communication skills, able to translate technical information to non‑technical audiences.

Additional Requirements

• Bachelor of Science or Engineering Degree in Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, or a related science.
• 0–3 years of relevant experience.
• Approximately 5% travel expected.