Scientist/Senior Scientist), Quality Assurance and Ingredient Chemistry

Personal Care Products Council; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Paid Time Off

Annual Bonus

Health Coverage

Life Insurance

401(k) Match

Professional Societies

Training & Mentoring

Job summary

The Personal Care Products Council seeks a Senior Manager, Quality Assurance & Ingredient Chemistry to lead QA initiatives across cosmetics manufacturing and regulatory affairs. You will guide GMP compliance, support international standards, and drive cross-functional projects with scientists and regulatory experts.

Based in Washington, DC, this role blends scientific leadership with policy and industry collaboration, focusing on MoCRA readiness, quality guidelines, and INCI nomenclature

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field.
• 3–5 years in quality assurance within cosmetics/personal care.
• Understanding of global regulatory landscape for quality and labeling.

Responsibilities

• Lead QA initiatives and GMP compliance in MoCRA era.
• Coordinate annual Quality Workshop and training activities.
• Support INCI nomenclature, CIR reviews, and regulatory updates.

Skills

Attention to detail

Active listening

Communication skills

Regulatory awareness

Initiative

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Written communication

Education

MS/MA or PhD in Chemistry or Cosmetic Science

Tools

GMP knowledge

Job description

Job Description

The Quality Assurance and Ingredient Chemistry (Senior) Manager (Scientist) is a key member of the Science team and reports to the Senior Director, Scientific and Regulatory Affairs. This role is responsible for leading and advancing the mission of PCPC's work in Quality Assurance Committee which works to promote best practices in cosmetic and personal care product manufacturing. In addition, this role will provide cross-functional support and expertise in ingredient chemistry, composition, and nomenclature as needed.

Quality Assurance Leadership

• MoCRA Implementation: Address all areas related to Quality and GMPs that impact the industry under the law and pending regulations.


• Quality Workshop: Plan and coordinate the annual Quality Workshop held in conjunction with the PCPC Science Symposium.


• GMP Outreach and Education: Develop topics and content for mini-workshops and webinars in anticipation of new cosmetic GMP regulations.


• PCPC Quality Guidelines: Lead the update of the PCPC Quality Guidelines following FDA’s publication of proposed GMP regulations.


• ISO TC-217 Support: Contribute to the ISO TC-217 Technical Advisory Group by assessing proposed standards related to GMPs and analytical methods.


• Quality Metrics: Evaluate the continuation and scope of the annual Quality Metrics Survey.


• Manufacturing Hygiene: Support initiatives related to manufacturing hygiene and collaborative educational programs with academic partners.


• International GMP Monitoring: Support tracking of global legislative activity related to GMPs and provide feedback as appropriate. Collaborate with the European Federation of Cosmetic Ingredients (EFfCI) on training and review of the EFfCI GMP Guideline.

Ingredient Chemistry & Technical Expertise

• Ingredient Identification: Support and collaborate with the Global Strategies team as needed to identify and analyze ingredients or substances of interest or concern regulatory lists, publications, and other sources.


• International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI): Provide support to the INCI team, as needed, in the development of standardized nomenclature for cosmetic ingredients and publication of related information in INCIpedia.


• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR): Provide technical support to CIR, as needed, for information related to ingredient chemistry and manufacture.


• Regulatory Awareness: Interpret international regulatory developments to ensure the continued alignment of the INCI Nomenclature program with global standards.

Organizational Support

Contribute to initiatives and special projects that support the mission and operational priorities of the organization.

Requirements

• Position Qualifications: Competency Statement(s)


• Accuracy - ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly


• Active Listening - ability to actively attend to, convey, and understand the comments and questions of others


• Communications, Oral - ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word with strong presentation skills


• Creative - ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea


• Customer Oriented - ability to take care of the customers' needs while following company procedures


• Dependability - follows instructions, responds to management direction; takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan


• Detail Oriented - ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task


• Honesty/Integrity - ability to be truthful and be seen as credible in the workplace and with member companies


• Initiative - ability to make decisions or take actions to solve a problem or reach a goal


• Interpersonal - ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals


• Privacy - ability to handle confidential or sensitive issues and/or materials and maintain privacy and confidentiality of documents pertaining to program matters


• Tactful - ability to interact with all levels of staff and outside parties, excellent cross-cultural diplomacy skills


• Technical Aptitude - ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information


• Working Under Pressure - ability to complete assigned tasks under stressful situations and meet tight deadline


• Written Communication - strong writing skills using AP Style with the ability to analyze and condense complex information, often on very tight deadlines

Education

MS/MA or PhD in: Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related field

Experience

3-5 years of experience in quality assurance within the cosmetic, skincare, or personal care industry. Experience in project management. Understanding of the global regulatory landscape as it pertains to quality, labeling, and compliance

Knowledge

Chemistry, GMP, FDA cosmetic regulations and cosmetic safety protocols

Benefits

• Competitive Salary with generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays to support your work-life balance


• Annual Bonus Potential - your hard work deserves to be rewarded


• Comprehensive Health Coverage - including Medical, Dental, Vision, plus Flexible Spending Accounts


• Peace of Mind - with Company-paid Life Insurance and both Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance


• Invest in Your Future - through our 401(k) with Company Match


• Stay Connected & Inspired - with free memberships to professional societies


• Professional Development - Seminars, Conventions, Lunch & Learns, Mentoring, and Software Training to help you reach your goals


• Team Spirit & Fun - enjoy company picnics, events, and a welcoming, supportive work environment

This position is based in Washington, DC, and requires employees to work onsite a minimum of two days per week, with the flexibility to work remote up to three days per week.