Sr. Staff Scientist, Skin Care

Ashland Specialty Ingredients, GP invites applications for a Staff Scientist position in its Personal Care R&D business located in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The role reports to the Global Skin Care R&D Manager and is a visible, significant position within the company's R&D function.

• Formulate prototypes of skin, sun care and color cosmetics products, from concept to launch
• Monitor stability of all batches and troubleshoot when necessary
• Work with support groups to drive projects forward
• Develop new technologies related to skin care
• Interface/collaborate with key customers
• Drive innovation within application projects to meet customer needs/market trends
• Evaluate pre-launch technologies for application
• Work closely with the Applied Research (synthesis) group to adapt proprietary technologies into aesthetically superior skin care products
• Present Ashland technologies to customers
• Develop methods to demonstrate raw material benefits
• Actively contribute to the organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on goals and focusing on performance and safety
• Improve the organization capacity and capabilities through building collaborative relationships, optimizing diverse talent and utilizing positive communications and influence with others

• Not an academic researcher – This position involves applied research with direct applications to products. It is not an opportunity to pursue a research agenda
• Not a management position – while you will collaborate with other team members, this is an individual contributor role with no direct reports
• Not an office based role – You will spend a majority of your time at the lab bench, conducting experiments and handling chemicals
• Not only about R&D – A large portion of your time will be dedicated to iterating on existing products and optimizing formulations based on customer feedback and performance data
• Not a project management position – The focus will be on the technical aspects of the project and we will need someone with specific chemical engineering knowledge to oversee the chemical process
• Not an entry level position – we need a candidate to hit the ground running with solid experience and a background to prove it

• Minimum of 10 years’ hands‑on formulation experience and track record of launching new products within the skin care market
• M.S. in Chemistry or related field of study
• Must possess knowledge/experience in skin care applications
• Creative in developing novel prototypes to explore new skin care applications/benefits
• Basic knowledge of chemistry, and consumer benefits of personal care raw materials
• Excellent communication skills, good work ethics and positive attitude
• Good people skills and a self‑starter
• Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times
• The ability to help the company drive greater value through understanding the business, making complex decisions and creating the new and different

• BS minimum and MA/MS preferred in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer/Materials Science, or related discipline
• Experience formulating color cosmetics products

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.