Our client is an established, founder-led Australian skincare brand offering results-driven solutions in the thriving dermatological skincare sector. With international growth aspirations and a strong innovation agenda, the business is focused on building a world-class product pipeline and go-to-market execution capability.
About the Role
Our client is seeking a Senior R&D & Innovation Chemist to help shape the future of evidence-based, high-performance skincare. Reporting to the Head of Research and Development, this role will lead research, formulation and product development activity across premium cosmeceutical and medical-grade skincare ranges, with a focus on clinically proven innovation, visible results and consumer-led product concepts.
This is a hands-on, commercially connected role for a highly curious formulation professional who enjoys combining scientific rigour, creativity and cross-functional collaboration to bring market-leading skincare products to life.
What you’ll be doing
- Research skin biology, active ingredients and emerging skincare technologies to inform new product concepts and innovation opportunities.
- Support the development of a long-range, consumer-led NPD pipeline aligned to brand strategy and commercial growth priorities.
- Lead and support end-to-end formulation, testing, claims development and clinical validation across new and existing products.
- Develop science-backed formulations targeting key skin concerns, incorporating clinically proven actives and advanced delivery technologies.
- Design and oversee clinical testing protocols to validate product safety, tolerability and efficacy.
- Prepare technical documentation, product scientific data, claims dossiers and scientific publications.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Education, Sales, Regulatory, Quality and Supply Chain teams to support successful product launches.
- Partner with external laboratories, universities, research institutions, suppliers and industry experts to strengthen product credibility and accelerate development.
- Support scale-up, technology transfer and manufacturing troubleshooting while maintaining quality, compliance and commercial feasibility.
- Identify opportunities to improve formulation complexity, cost, sustainability and product performance.
About you
- Master’s or PhD qualification in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or a related discipline.
- 5+ years’ experience in cosmeceutical, skincare, personal care or related product development, ideally with clinical or medical-grade products.
- Proven experience developing and validating skincare products with scientific or clinical substantiation.
- Strong knowledge of dermatology, skin biology, active ingredients, cosmeceutical trends, claims substantiation and product safety standards.
- Experience managing or supporting clinical trials, external testing or independent product validation.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, documentation and project management skills.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with both scientific and commercial stakeholders.
- A hands-on approach, high attention to detail and a passion for advancing skin science and improving visible skin health outcomes.
Why join this business?
- Join a respected, founder-led Australian skincare brand in an exciting transformation and growth phase.
- Play a key role in developing world-class, evidence-based performance skincare products.
- Work closely with a collaborative, cross-functional team across R&D, Marketing, Education, Regulatory, Quality, Sales and Supply Chain.
- Contribute to meaningful innovation, scientific claims and product launches that support brand growth in Australia and internationally.
- Enjoy a competitive package and an inclusive, supportive workplace culture.
Apply now
If you are a hands-on R&D professional who is passionate about science-backed skincare innovation and ready to contribute to a brand with ambitious growth plans, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant product development experience. If you require further information, please contact Voula Triantafillou on 0437 853 201
