Job Summary

We are actively seeking an exceptionally motivated Raw Material Chemist to join our R&D team in the Blue-Sky Innovation Department. This pivotal role offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to our cutting-edge Clean Beauty and Sustainability Strategy Program. The ideal candidate should possess a profound background in chemistry, material science and a genuine zeal for the realms of Clean Beauty and Sustainability. The role can be a chemist or senior chemist level - based on candidate's directly related experience and demonstrated skills.

As a vital member of our dynamic R&D team, you will take on the crucial responsibility of scouting, conceptualizing, developing, and executing the winning strategies that will ensure our product line remains not only highly competitive but also aligns with our consumer-centered, eco-conscious and environmentally friendly ethos.

In essence, this role revolves around the exploration and assessment of innovative cosmetic materials and technologies tailored to propel Shiseido into the next generation of Clean Skincare, Sun care and Color Cosmetics. The successful candidate will demonstrate an exceptional ability to work independently and collaboratively within cross-functional teams, including formulation, regulation, claims, manufacturing, and marketing.

Moreover, the chemist will also spearhead the creation of our clean beauty library and actively contribute to product launches across renowned brands such as NARS, Drunk Elephant, Cle de Peau and other esteemed Shiseido labels.

This position necessitates a self-driven professional with exceptional communication skills, while prior NPD and formulation experience would be a valuable asset. Join us in the pursuit of excellence as we redefine the future of beauty and sustainability.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities (List what are the main tasks)

• Technical scouting for novel and sustainable materials to supports Shiseido sustainable strategy and clean beauty product development pipelines

• Liaison and collaborate with external raw material suppliers for joint research and development

• Stay up-to-date on the latest developments of clean beauty and sustainability, bring innovative ideas to the team

• Formulate model chasses to demonstrate the robustness and efficacy of new materials for downstream team to develop global compliant formulas with retailor clean guidance met

• Conduct stability testing, tracking prototype stability (texture, odor, pH, viscosity, appearance), update result charts, summarize data for review at each time point

• Collaborate and support the formulation team to deliver new formula and/or prototype to product development phase.

• Follow the mega trend of beauty industry to develop new formulas and innovate existing formulas under management direction. Responsible for the maintenance of accuracy of information in database (Coptis)

• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal groups and marketing teams

• Responsible for compliance of assigned work areas with company set standards for laboratory safety and general maintenance

Working Relationships/Key Stakeholders

• GIC-Raw Material group
• AIC-Regulatory/Safety Group
• AIC-Raw material management Group
• AIC-Process Development Group
• AIC-Technical Information Group
• AIC-Formulation Groups
• SAI–Manufacturing & Production

Qualifications & Competencies
List required or desired education; competencies; experiences; soft & hard skills

• Master or Ph.D. degree in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering or related science majors
• 5+ years experience in raw material, consumer goods, cosmetics or similar industry with emphasis on material/product development
• Strong scientific understanding of raw materials (characterization, functionality, performance and applications)
• Motivated and works well in teams and independently
• Strong organization, communication and writing skills
• Be able to collaborate with groups outside of R&D or Shiseido to drive long term strategic collaboration and ensure the implementation and execution within the organization