Senior Scientist, Hair Care

Senior Staff Scientist – Personal Care Division (Bridgewater, NJ)

Ashland Specialty Ingredients is seeking an experienced Senior Staff Scientist to join our personal care division. This visible, high‑impact role reports directly to the Technical Service Director and focuses on advancing personal care product innovation, quality, and business outcomes.

• Design and execute consumer testing of personal care products.
• Collaborate closely with hair stylist partners to troubleshoot formulation issues.
• Work with consumer support groups and the sales team to test prototypes and benchmark market performance.
• Develop new testing methodologies to demonstrate the benefits of raw materials in finished formulations.
• Interface and collaborate with key customers to meet their technical needs.
• Travel up to 10% of the time to visit U.S. sites and meet colleagues.
• Actively contribute to organizational goals by taking initiative, executing on targets, and focusing on performance and safety.
• Improve organizational capability and capacity through collaborative relationships, diverse talent utilization, and positive communication.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and 10 years of experience in formulating personal care products.
• 5‑7 years of experience in formulating hair care products.
• Strong people‑skills with a proven track record managing teams and working effectively with sales organizations.
• Familiarity with project management and thriving in team environments.
• MS or Ph.D. preferred.
• Hair dye formulation, skin care, or make‑up formulation experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with statistical and/or image analysis.
• Experience evaluating hair care ingredients and developing related methodologies.
• Demonstrated responsible and ethical behavior at all times.

Ashland is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Veterans, Disabled, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation applicants are encouraged to apply. 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.