Senior Scientist II, Product Safety & Toxicology, L'Oréal Research & Innovation – Clark, New Jersey
Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.
Who We Are
Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.
At L’Oréal Research & Innovation we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. We invest heavily in cutting-edge research, leveraging advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, while discovering new active ingredients and launching outperforming formulas. Our 4,100 L'Oréal R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, sustainable & responsible beauty products and experiences that will change people’s lives.
At L’Oréal Research & Innovation (R&I), we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. Our 4,100 R&I experts leverage Science & Technology to invent safe, trustable, and sustainable beauty experiences.
Inside the Product Safety Department, we are responsible for the safety evaluation, testing, and documentation of all raw materials and finished products developed or acquired by L’Oréal USA. As part of the SRCM (Safety, Regulatory, Claims, and Microbiology) division, we provide the technical leadership necessary to ensure global compliance and support the innovative claims that define our brands.
We are seeking a Senior Scientist II to join our Product Safety & Toxicology team. In this pivotal role, you will apply in-depth working knowledge of toxicology and risk assessment principles to lead a team of highly technical professionals. You will be the guardian of consumer safety, ensuring that every groundbreaking formula—from skincare to fragrance—meets the highest global scientific and regulatory standards.
A Day in the Life: As a Senior Scientist II in Product Safety & Toxicology, your responsibilities include:
- Expert Safety Assessments: Conduct robust safety assessments on raw materials and finished formulations for specific categories (e.g., Skin, Hair, Makeup, or Fragrance), including over-the-counter (OTC) products, ensuring they meet all global regulations.
- Technical Risk Evaluation: Evaluate ingredients and raw materials for both internal and external labs. You will communicate safety approvals and technical recommendations through product-specific strategic meetings.
- Global Compliance Stewardship: Assist with compiling and reviewing Cosmetic Safety Reports to ensure total compliance with EU and other international regulatory frameworks.
- Cross-Functional Data Integration: Collaborate across the organization to ensure sufficient supporting data—including in silico, in vitro, and clinical safety studies—is developed and executed to substantiate the safety of our innovations.
- Strategic Safety Positioning: Participate in high-level discussions and the preparation of internal safety positions, integrating relevant data to generate robust, scientifically sound assessments.
- Innovation Representation: Represent the Product Safety division at product development meetings, providing critical safety support for both new and existing product lines.
- Strategic Communication: Act as an effective communicator across the organization, translating complex toxicology issues into clear recommendations for both scientific and non-scientific audiences.
We Are Looking For: You are a highly meticulous toxicologist and a strategic leader who thrives in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
- Education: A completed Ph.D. in Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a closely related field is required.
- Experience:
- 3–5 years of post-PhD experience in the cosmetics, personal care, or consumer healthcare industries.
- Demonstrated expertise in general toxicology concepts, specifically skin/eye irritation, skin sensitization, genotoxicity, and phototoxicity.
- Proven ability to work independently in a matrix environment as both a high-level contributor and a technical leader.
- Technical Acumen:
- Knowledge and proficiency in risk assessment principles and practices are required.
- Expertise with New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) and/or Computational Toxicology is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated skills in analyzing, reporting, and documenting complex information with extreme attention to detail.
- Soft Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written).
- Exceptional organizational skills with the agility to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously under tight deadlines.
- The ability to be onsite, in the office, as this is an essential function of the position (required)
- Authorization to work in the United States on a full-time, permanent, ongoing basis without the need for legal sponsorship now or in the future (required)
What’s In It For You
- A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you’ll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
- Real responsibility from day 1, there’s no sitting on the sidelines at L’Oréal
- An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
- A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
- Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
- Base Salary Range: $90,200 - $135,000 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level)
- Hybrid Work Policy (3 days in Office, up to 2 days Work From Home)
- Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
- Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
- Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
- Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
- Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs
Don’t meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.
