Principal Scientist - Clinical and Scientist Affairs

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness programs

Retirement savings plans

Education programs

Paid holidays and vacation

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Commission/Bonus plan

Job summary

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is seeking a Principal Scientist to serve as a liaison between R&D and Brand Marketing, developing novel claims and translating marketing concepts into scientifically supportable data.

This role manages clinical projects, partners with Clinical Operations, and drives substantiation strategies to ensure regulatory and consumer-aligned product stories. You will translate complex data into compelling narratives for Marketing and Product Development, prepare dossiers,

Qualifications

• Experience translating technical data for non-technical audiences.
• Proven track record in clinical method development and substantiation.
• Knowledge of skincare-related clinical methodologies and protocols.

Responsibilities

• Design and Execute Substantiation Strategies
• Develop scientific substantiation plans for product claims
• Translate upstream innovation and ingredients' mechanisms of action into clinical strategies
• Analyze internal/external data to confirm benefit validity and consumer relevance
• Partner with Clinical Testing and Consumer Sciences to develop protocols
• Translate findings into clear product stories for Marketing and Product Development
• Prepare claims dossiers and data summaries for internal review
• Collaborate across R&D, Marketing, Product Development, and Legal to drive innovation
• Ensure claims align with global regulatory requirements

Skills

Scientific communication

Clinical methodology

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory awareness

Education

PhD in relevant sciences

PharmD alternative

Job description

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, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company’s products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly collaborative Principal Scientist to serve as a liaison between our 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.

Establishes successful partnerships with the various functions in R&D, Product Development and Legal to build superior and innovative clinical strategies and drive clinical initiatives to successful outcomes.

Works with Clinical Operations partners to develop protocols, assist in the execution of studies, review data and report findings to partners.

Identifies new capabilities, methodologies, process to bring innovation and efficiencies.

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Pay Range

Anticipated Base Salary Range $110,000.00 to $125,000.00 (Depending on qualifications, skills, experience and/or budget), based on a 40 hour work week (range to be scaled accordingly). In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time. In addition, the Company maintains highly competitive incentive compensation programs (role eligibility may vary based on terms of the respective plan(s)). You may be eligible to participate in the applicable Commission/Bonus Plan, under the plan guidelines in effect at the time of hire. Additional details regarding the commission plan will be provided as part of your onboarding.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal-opportunity employer. Minorities, women, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

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