Principal Scientist

Principal Scientist, NA Skin Health & Consumer Science

Kelly Science and Clinical has an opening for a Principal Scientist f or an engagement at one of our Global consumer product & pharmaceutical clients in Summit, NJ. The role is eligible for medical benefits, paid time off including vacation (PTO), and holidays, and 401K. If you’re passionate about bringing the latest scientific discoveries to life and are ready to take the next step in your career, trust The Experts at Hiring Experts.

Schedule : Mon-Fri, 8AM-5PM

Location : Hybrid, 2-3days/wk onsite in Summit NJ

Duration : 9mo, can extend

Compensation : $55-$68/hr

Summary

The Principal Scientist will be a key member of the Skin Health Consumer Science team within the North America R&D organization, supporting the development of innovative products across the Skin Health portfolio. This role is responsible for leading and executing consumer research to support multiple iconic brands.

You will play a critical role in fostering a strong consumer-centric culture within R&D by building deep consumer understanding and translating insights into actionable guidance through effective communication and close collaboration with cross-functional partners, including Marketing, Product Development, Design, Data Science, and Insights.

In addition to applying best-in-class traditional consumer research methodologies, you will be expected to advance and innovate research capabilities through the use of agile digital research tools, data science and advanced analytics, and modeling techniques. These capabilities will be leveraged to inform key project and program objectives, accelerate decision-making, and strengthen the link between consumer needs and product solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and execution of exploratory qualitative and quantitative research, including product design and optimization studies, benchmarking, and consumer-perceived claims validation, in alignment with project team objectives and industry-standard consumer science methodologies.
• Serve as the Consumer Science representative on multiple cross-disciplinary project teams, partnering closely with Consumer Business Intelligence (CBI) to co-develop comprehensive consumer learning plans that address business and technical decision needs.
• Translate and communicate the voice of the consumer into clear, compelling insights to inform project direction, enable effective decision-making, and drive consumer-centric innovation.
• Drive strong collaboration and seamless communication with internal and external partners, ensuring high-quality and timely execution of Consumer Science research activities.
• Coordinate and/or oversee the execution of Consumer Science studies, acting as the primary liaison with external research vendors to ensure methodological rigor, timelines, and deliverable quality.
• Lead data analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of research findings, delivering actionable insights to project teams; collaborate with Data Science partners to enhance study value through advanced analytics and modeling, where appropriate.
• Monitor and manage Consumer Science activities across multiple projects, timelines, and consumer need states to ensure alignment with priorities and resource efficiency.
• Actively participate in the Consumer Science community of practice, contributing to capability building, knowledge sharing, and the advancement of a strong consumer-centric culture within the R&D organization.
• Identify, pilot, and implement new methodologies, advanced techniques, and innovative approaches, or enhance existing qualitative and quantitative methods to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of Consumer Science research.
• Ensure all Consumer Science activities are conducted in accordance with high ethical and quality standards, as well as all applicable company procedures and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree with at least 6+ years or Master’s degree with 4-6 years or PhD degree with 2+ years of industry and/or relevant work experience in qualitative and quantitative research in Consumer Science, Sensory Science or Market Research is required.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge of qualitative, quantitative, and/or sensory consumer science methodologies, with a solid understanding of research approaches relevant to Consumer Science and product development.

Research & Analytical Skills

• Proven experience in designing, executing, documenting, and interpreting consumer research studies, with strong analytical thinking and the ability to synthesize data into actionable insights.

Communication & Independence

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently, clearly articulate insights, and influence cross-functional stakeholders. Experience in navigating complex organizational structure and decision making process is a plus.

Industry Experience (Preferred)

• Experience leading consumer and claims substantiation research within the cosmetic, skincare, personal care, and/or OTC consumer products categories is preferred.

Data & Advanced Analytics (Preferred)

• Experience collaborating with or leveraging data science, advanced analytics, or modeling techniques to enhance consumer research outcomes is preferred.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Demonstrated ability to operate independently while building and managing strong internal and external partnerships to drive research execution and project success.

Decision-Making & Agility

• Ability to take measured risks, exercise sound judgment, and make well-informed decisions to advance projects in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

What happens next

Once you apply, you’ll proceed to the next steps if your skills and experience look like a good fit. But don’t worry—even if this position doesn’t work out, you’re still in our network. That means all of our recruiters will have access to your profile, expanding your opportunities even more.

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