Senior Scientist - Antiperspirant

Job Summary

The Antiperspirant Technology Scientist leads the development of next‑generation antiperspirant products through deep expertise in Aluminum and Aluminum‑Zirconium chemistry, formulation science, and clinical performance evaluation. This role combines hands‑on laboratory research, applications development, clinical data interpretation, and customer‑focused technical engagement. A key part of the role is providing robust technical support to manufacturing, including process optimization, troubleshooting, cost reduction, and implementation of new chemistries to strengthen global production capabilities. The scientist maintains and expands the company’s AP technology platform, scouts new opportunities, contributes to intellectual property, and collaborates closely with corporate R&D, manufacturing, and commercial teams to drive innovation and ensure reliable, efficient, and scalable product delivery.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Antiperspirant Technology & Product Development

Develop new AP products based on Aluminum and Aluminum Zirconium chemistries, including novel active systems and formulation approaches. Maintain and expand the AP technology and formulation knowledge base, supporting the global AP product line. Design novel characterization methods to evaluate AP efficacy beyond traditional clinical testing. Build AP active–performance relationships in customer relevant formulations to guide new product design. Initiate exploratory research projects in aluminum and zirconium chemistry to drive long term innovation.

Laboratory, Clinical Data, & Statistical Interpretation

Conduct hands on laboratory work on independent AP R&D projects, generating high quality experimental data. Evaluate and interpret statistical outputs from clinical trials conducted at contract labs, including significance testing, variability analysis, and confidence interval interpretation relevant to AP efficacy. Integrate statistical findings with formulation and chemistry insights to guide product development decisions and next step recommendations. Interpret experimental results and develop correlations between product properties, formulation variables, and process parameters.

Manufacturing & Process Support

Ensure adherence to Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), USP guidelines, and FDA Over-the-Counter (OTC) Monograph requirements to maintain the safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance of antiperspirant products. Provide technical support to manufacturing, including process optimization, troubleshooting, cost reduction, and implementation of new chemistries. Optimize synthetic processes and raw material usage to reduce cost and maximize use of existing manufacturing assets. Develop innovative uses for out of specification materials to recapture value.

Customer & Commercial Support

Maintain all material and product specifications, facilitating reviews and resolving application issues with customers. Translate customer challenges into new product opportunities through direct engagement and technical dialogue. Participate in relevant national and international meetings, conferences, and trade shows. Respond to customer inquiries and conduct customer visits as needed to support product understanding and application success.

Technology Scouting & Intellectual Property

Identify new product and formulation opportunities through technology scouting, literature review, competitive analysis, and customer insights. Support innovation beyond AP actives, including product forms and deodorant market technologies. Contribute to the company’s intellectual property portfolio through invention disclosures and patent applications.

Safety & Compliance

Always observe proper safety precautions for self, colleagues, and company property. Exercise sound judgment and gather necessary information (“take two”) before initiating any project to understand and minimize hazards. Maintain strict adherence to all HSE policies and laboratory safety practices.

Job Competencies

Creating the new and different: Taking a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies Building collaborative relationships: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Handling conflict situations effectively. Communication – Translate complex technical concepts into clear and actionable insights for customers and business stakeholders. Taking initiatives: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm Managing execution: Knowing the most effective and efficient processes for getting things done, with a focus on continuous improvement

Decision making

The ideal candidate is a task focused self-starter and is empowered to make decisions on technical direction, to engage with demanding (internal and external) customers and have technical discussions to understand and address their needs.

What will it take

Technical Knowledge and Skills

Aluminum & Aluminum‑Zirconium chemistry — understanding active structure, complexation, stability, and performance mechanisms relevant to antiperspirant efficacy.

Formulation science — developing and optimizing AP formulations (emulsions, suspensions, roll‑ons, sticks, aerosols) and linking structure to performance.

Analytical & characterization methods — AP‑relevant testing such as ICP-MS, XRD, TGA/DSC, titration, rheology, and novel method development for efficacy screening.

Clinical data statistics — interpreting contract‑lab clinical trial outputs, evaluating variability, significance, and confidence intervals, and integrating findings into product development decisions.

Process & manufacturing support — troubleshooting production issues, optimizing synthetic processes, managing specifications, and evaluating raw materials for cost, quality, and scalability.

Position Requirements

Education: At a minimum a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Master of Science (M.S), but more preferably a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree in Biology, Chemistry, or related scientific discipline.

Experience: Minimum 5-10 years of work experience in the chemical industry is preferred.

IT Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and Outlook email communication

Language Skills: English.

Working arrangements: Full time, site based at Huguenot, New York.

Traveling required: None.

Hazmat certification course: Provided by Elementis annually