Department: Research & Innovation
Location: Woodmead, Johannesburg
Role Overview
The Scientific Valorization Specialist, Research & Innovation, will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge scientific advancements and compelling product claims, ultimately driving innovative solutions for the dynamic SSA (Sub-Saharan Africa) market. This exciting position demands a robust scientific foundation, a genuine passion for the beauty and cosmetics industry, and exceptional communication and collaborative abilities. The ideal candidate will possess a keen awareness of evolving consumer trends and leverage social media proficiency to effectively articulate complex scientific benefits in an accessible and engaging manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Claim Development & Substantiation: Proactively develop and rigorously substantiate innovative product claims that resonate with consumer needs and align with prevailing market trends.
- Scientific Dossier Creation: Prepare comprehensive scientific dossiers for both local and international product launches, ensuring strict adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Scientific Communication Strategy: Design and execute effective scientific communication strategies, capitalizing on social media expertise to maximize reach and impact.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster close collaboration with diverse cross-functional teams, including Marketing, R&I, and Regulatory Affairs, to guarantee scientific accuracy and market relevance across all initiatives.
- Market Intelligence: Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify emerging opportunities and inform strategic product development decisions.
- Expertise Development & Sharing: Continuously cultivate and share expertise in cosmetic science and formulation, proactively staying at the forefront of industry advancements and contributing to a culture of continuous learning.
- Education:
- Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, or a closely related scientific field is required.
- A strong understanding of cosmetic formulation is essential.
- A degree in Marketing or Communication is a significant advantage.
- Experience & Expertise:
- Project Management: Proven experience in project management, coupled with familiarity in strategic project management tools and techniques.
- R&D Expertise: Demonstrable understanding of scientific research and development processes, with a proven ability to translate intricate scientific knowledge into tangible and innovative solutions. A proactive approach to continuous learning and knowledge sharing is expected.
- Regulatory Knowledge (Plus): A background in regulatory affairs or legal compliance within scientific projects is highly desirable.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A strong capacity to generate, manage, and drive disruptive innovations, while consistently ensuring compliance with stringent quality and safety standards.
- Skills & Attributes:
- Consumer Focus: Demonstrated ability to meticulously develop consumer insights and seamlessly translate them into measurable product performance goals. A keen eye for the latest cosmetic trends and strong social media savvy are crucial.
- Collaboration & Leadership: Proven ability to foster robust cross-functional collaboration and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to business and brand teams.
- Communication & Organization: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, alongside excellent organizational abilities.
- Market Knowledge (Plus): Knowledge of the SSA cosmetics market is a distinct advantage.
If you are a passionate science and have the desire to make a difference in a global organization driven by innovation and excellence, apply now!
