Principal Scientist

Job TitleThe Estée Lauder Companies Inc. is one of the world's leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skin care, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of luxury and prestige brands globally. The company's products are sold in approximately 150 countries and territories under brand names including: Estée Lauder, Aramis, Clinique, Lab Series, Origins, M·A·C, La Mer, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Aveda, Jo Malone London, Bumble and bumble, Darphin Paris, TOM FORD, Smashbox, AERIN Beauty, Le Labo, Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle, GLAMGLOW, KILIAN PARIS, Too Faced, Dr.Jart+, the DECIEM family of brands, including The Ordinary and NIOD, and BALMAIN Beauty.Job DescriptionThis role will shape scientific language, visual frameworks, and claim-support narratives that connect biological differentiation to meaningful consumer benefits. The individual will distill complex science into clear "so what" concepts and transform invisible skin processes into intuitive, engaging communication for cross-functional teams and consumers.The role will partner closely with Skincare R&I, Clinical, Advanced Technology, Regulatory, Brand Product Development, Marketing, and Creative teams to develop communication around skincare ingredients, modes of action, clinical benefits, and emerging scientific territories, including barrier function, inflammation, skin longevity, pigmentation, hydration, and regenerative pathways.The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in skin biology and the ability to synthesize complex mechanisms into simple, consumer-relevant narratives while maintaining dermatological and scientific credibility.Key Responsibilities1) Skincare Science StorytellingTranslate dermatology, skin physiology, ingredient technologies, and mechanisms of action into clear, benefit-driven scientific messaging that is easily understood by a wide range of audiences, including the general public, media, and retailers.Develop scientific narratives, communication frameworks, and claim-support language that help guide product science storytelling, education, and innovation positioning.Distill complex biological pathways, such as inflammation cascades, collagen degradation, melanogenesis, barrier repair, and cellular signaling, into simple and compelling "so what" messages.Partner with R&I and brand teams to articulate scientific differentiation in a way that is credible, ownable, and relevant to consumer needs.2) Visual & Mechanism CommunicationTranslate invisible biological processes, including cellular signaling, organelle function, barrier lipid organization, enzyme activity, and molecular pathways, into intuitive diagrams and visual stories.Develop mechanism frameworks across multiple biological levels, including skin layer, cell, organelle, and molecular pathway.Sketch, storyboard, or brief scientific mechanisms before design handoff to ensure dermatological and biological accuracy.Collaborate with creative teams to develop visuals that are scientifically accurate, premium, and accessible for both technical and consumer-facing audiences.3) Scientific Research & Literature InterpretationReview and synthesize scientific literature across dermatology, skin biology, biochemistry, cosmetic science, and related fields to inform communication strategy and inspire new storytelling opportunities.Translate clinical, mechanistic, and ingredient-related findings into concise summaries, strategic insights, and actionable communication.Evaluate ingredient efficacy and mechanisms of action across key skincare technologies, including hyaluronic acid, peptides, retinoids, ferments, anti-inflammatory actives, barrier-supporting ingredients, and emerging bioactive materials.Track emerging trends in skincare science, including skin longevity, inflammaging, regenerative pathways, barrier repair, bio ferments, and dermatology-driven innovation.4) Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner closely with Skincare R&I Advanced Technology, Clinical, Formulation, Product Development, and Marketing teams to align on scientific positioning and communication strategy.Support clinical storytelling and claim substantiation by developing scientifically grounded language and frameworks.Manage projects with strong follow-through, timeline ownership, and cross-functional alignment.QualificationsMinimum Education Level: Advanced degree in a STEM field required; MD, PhD, PharmD, or MS preferred. Relevant fields may include biology, dermatology-related sciences, biochemistry, chemical engineering, cosmetic science, or related disciplines.Minimum Years of Experience: 3–5 years of experience in skincare, dermatology, cosmetic science, clinical research, scientific communication, or a related scientific field.Required Qualifications –Demonstrated ability to interpret dermatological, biological, clinical, and mechanistic literature.Strong understanding of skin physiology, biological pathways, ingredient mechanisms, and skincare product science.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex biological systems into clear and engaging narratives.Experience working cross-functionally with scientific, clinical, regulatory, marketing, product development, and/or creative teams.Preferred QualificationsExperience in the beauty, skincare, dermatology, or consumer health industry.Experience working with marketing, product development, consumer insights, or brand communication teams.Ability to translate biological concepts into visual frameworks, including pathway diagrams, skin models, mechanism visuals, and storyboards.Experience creating content for technical, professional, and consumer audiences.Familiarity with clinical claims, substantiation standards, and science-led product storytelling.Strong awareness of skincare brands and products, dermatologist trends, and consumer-facing science communicationPay Range:The anticipated base salary range for this position is $87,550.00 to $143,800.00. Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for participation in a highly competitive bonus program as well as participation in the share incentive plan. In addition, The Estée Lauder Companies offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance), wellness and family support programs, life and disability insurance, retirement savings plans, paid leave programs, education-related programs, paid holidays and vacation time, and many others. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is Company's policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, protected medical condition as defined by applicable state or local law, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. The Company will endeavor to provide a reasonable accommodation consistent with the law to otherwise qualified employees and prospective employees with a disability and to employees and prospective employees with needs related to their religious observance or practices. Should you wish to apply for this position or any other position with the Company and you believe you require assistance to complete an application or participate in an interview, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io Applicants: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for employment must notify the company in writing of the need for an accommodation within 182 days after the date the person with a disability knew or reasonably should have known that an accommodation was needed.Philadelphia Applicants: Philadelphia's Fair Chance Hiring LawRhode Island Applicants: The company is subject to chapters 29-38 of title 28 of the general laws of Rhode Island and is therefore covered by the state's workers' compensation law.