Senior Scientist, Scientific Communications

Estée Lauder Companies; Melville (NY); On-site; USD 75,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid vacation

Education programs

Job summary

Estée Lauder Companies is seeking a Scientific Communications Senior Scientist to translate formulation and ingredient performance into clear, compelling science storytelling. You will develop claim language and intuitive visuals, partnering with Makeup R&I, Brand Product Development, and Marketing to illuminate how texture, wear, and pigment mechanisms drive consumer experiences.

You will translate literature into concise internal insights, monitor makeup technology trends, and help shape

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to simplify complex content
• Demonstrated ability to search, interpret, and summarize scientific literature
• Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment

Responsibilities

• Translate formulation science into clear, benefit-driven messaging
• Develop scientific narratives to support product claims and marketing storytelling
• Create diagrams and visual stories to illustrate mechanisms for consumer-facing use
• Collaborate with Makeup R&I, Advanced Technology, Material Science, Clinical, Regulatory, Brand Product Development and Marketing
• Monitor makeup technology trends and translate consumer insights into science-led storytelling

Skills

Scientific communication

Visual storytelling

Cross-functional collaboration

Cosmetic science literacy

Literature interpretation

Presentation skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Cosmetic science or related advanced degree

Tools

Diagramming

PowerPoint/Presentation software

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.

Description

The Scientific Communications Senior Scientist will support Makeup R&I by translating complex formulation and ingredient performance technologies into clear, compelling science storytelling. This includes developing relevant claim language, articulating technical differentiation, and creating intuitive visualizations that help explain product mechanisms.

This role will partner closely with Makeup R&I, Brand Product Development, and Marketing teams to uncover and communicate the scientific drivers behind observable makeup benefits, including texture, wear, film formation, pigment dispersion, and polymer functionality. The focus is to go beyond performance description by connecting what consumers see and feel to the scientific mechanisms that make those benefits possible.

The ideal candidate combines strong scientific literacy with a genuine passion for cosmetics and beauty culture. This role will translate the transformative power of color cosmetics into scientific evidence for meaningful, consumer-relevant insights that help shape testing direction, inform product strategy, strengthen claims, and elevate science-led storytelling across makeup innovation.

1) Makeup Science Storytelling

• Translate formulation science (e.g., pigment dispersion, elastomer networks, film formation, sensory modifiers, color science theories) into clear, benefit-driven messaging
• Develop scientific narratives that support product claims, education, and marketing storytelling
• Distill complex, multi-factorial performance into simple, compelling “so what” messages

2) Visual & Mechanism Communication

• Convert invisible functions (e.g., polymer networks, film layers, color science, powder interactions, oil control mechanisms) into intuitive diagrams and visual stories, and consumer-friendly demonstrations.
• Sketch or storyboard mechanisms before handing off to design teams to ensure scientific accuracy
• Partner with creative teams to refine visuals that are both scientifically credible and visually appealing

3) Scientific Research & Literature Interpretation

• Identify, review, and summarize scientific literature relevant to cosmetic chemistry, materials science, pigments, polymers, and film-forming systems
• Translate complex findings into concise internal summaries and actionable insights for cross-functional teams
• Track emerging trends in makeup technology (e.g., long-wear, transfer-resistance, blurring systems, skin-mesh polymers)

4) Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Makeup R&I, Advanced Technology, Material Science, Clinical, Regulatory, Brand Product Development, and Marketing teams to align scientific understanding across stakeholders.
• Support product development and communication needs through clear project management, timelines, follow-ups, and consistent cross-functional communication.

5) Beauty Culture & Consumer Insight Integration

• Maintain strong awareness of prestige beauty landscape (Sephora, social media, influencers, emerging brands)
• Translate consumer trends and cultural insights into stronger, more relevant scientific storytelling
• Actively monitor social platforms (e.g., Instagram, TikTok) for product trends and narratives

Qualifications

Minimum Education Level

Bachelor’s degree or higher in a STEM field, advanced degree preferred (Cosmetic science, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related)

Minimum years of Experience

3-5 years of professional experience (industry preferred; cross-functional project experience required)

Required Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to simplify complex content
• Demonstrated ability to search, interpret, and summarize scientific literature
• Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience or exposure to cosmetic science, especially color cosmetics or formulation systems
• Strong interest in makeup products and retail (e.g., enjoys exploring Sephora or equivalent environments)
• Ability to translate scientific concepts into visuals (diagramming, presentation)
• Familiarity with polymers, emulsions, powders, pigments, color science, or materials science related to makeup

Experience creating content for different audiences (technical, marketing, consumer-facing)

Pay Range

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $75,350.00 to $112,500.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program with the possibility for overachievement based on performance and company results.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Wellness and family support programs
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement savings plans
• Paid leave programs
• Education-related programs
• Paid holidays and vacation time
• Many others

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices.

Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact [e-mail].

Michigan Applicants

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for employment must notify the company in writing of the need for an accommodation within 182 days after the date the person with a disability knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.

Philadelphia Applicants

Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring Law

Rhode Island Applicants

The company is subject to chapters 29-38 of title 28 of the general laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law.