Rapid Innovation R&D Scientist

Rapid Innovation R&D Scientist

Location: Summit, NJ (Hybrid – 1–2 days onsite/week)

Duration: Through end of 2026 minimum (likely 12 month engagement with possible extensions)

Schedule: Ideally 40 hours/week

Target Start Date: ASAP / June 1st preferred

Position Overview

A global consumer health organization is seeking a Rapid Innovation R&D Scientist to support accelerated innovation initiatives across Skin Health and Self Care product lines. This role will support projects focused on bringing existing innovations into new markets or making minor modifications/repositioning to current products rather than developing entirely new formulations from scratch.

This is a highly cross-functional and fast-paced role that will work closely with Packaging Engineering, Product Management, Analytical Sciences, Microbiology, Manufacturing, and Project Management teams. The ideal candidate will be proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of independently navigating complex systems and historical data to help drive projects forward.

This is not a wet lab or bench scientist role. There will be no batching, mixing, or hands-on formulation work involved.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and analyze historical product development, testing, and formulation data
• Navigate internal systems and documentation databases to identify relevant project information
• Summarize findings and provide recommendations for next steps on accelerated innovation projects
• Support launch readiness efforts by ensuring accuracy and completeness of R&D documentation
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Packaging Engineering, Product Management, Analytical, Manufacturing, and Microbiology teams
• Drive multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment with minimal oversight
• Prepare technical documentation, reports, and project summaries for internal stakeholders
• Support quality, safety, and consumer testing activities across various product lines
• Help coordinate stakeholders and keep projects organized, on track, and moving forward efficiently

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline
• 3–5 years of experience within product development, formulation testing, or consumer product environments
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate with urgency
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Experience interpreting data sets and making informed recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across multidisciplinary teams

Preferred Qualifications

• OTC drug/product experience within North American markets
• Examples: oral OTC products, sunscreen, regulated consumer health products, etc.
• Experience within beauty, skincare, cosmetics, personal care, or food manufacturing industries
• Prior experience supporting quality, safety, and consumer testing initiatives
• Previous experience within large consumer health or pharmaceutical organizations
• Familiarity working within complex internal systems and documentation platforms

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is:

• Highly proactive and self-sufficient
• Detail-oriented and organized
• Comfortable handling quick-turn requests and shifting priorities
• Able to independently “dig” through systems and historical data to find answers
• Driven, curious, and capable of coordinating cross-functional stakeholders effectively
• Comfortable supporting a wide variety of brands and project types simultaneously

Interview Process

• 1 primary interview with the hiring manager
• Potential additional conversation with a Packaging Engineering stakeholder
• Interview process expected to move quickly