Job Title: Advanced Researcher (12-Month Fixed-Term Position)

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa 

Department: Research & Innovation Reports 

Reporting to: Advanced Research Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa

About L'Oréal: L'Oréal is the world's leading beauty company, with a diverse portfolio of international brands. We are driven by innovation and committed to excellence in research and development, constantly seeking new ways to enhance beauty experiences sustainably. Our L'Oréal for the Future (L4TF) sustainability program guides our commitment to respecting planetary boundaries and empowering our ecosystem for a more sustainable future.

About the Role: We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Advanced Researcher to join our dynamic team in Sub-Saharan Africa for a 12-month fixed-term period. This pivotal role focuses on exploring and harnessing the region's rich resources, including its unique biodiversity and mineral wealth, to discover novel cosmetic raw materials. A particular emphasis will be placed on identifying bio-based, biodegradable, and sustainably sourced mineral ingredients, all meticulously aligned with L'Oréal's L4TF sustainability guidelines. A core component of this role will involve in-depth feedstock mapping across Sub-Saharan Africa to identify potential sources of these sustainable cosmetic ingredients.

Beyond raw material discovery, this position will also be instrumental in pioneering projects focused on cross-industry research, drawing insights and innovations from diverse sectors. You will explore the fascinating field of biomimicry, seeking inspiration from natural processes and designs to develop next-generation cosmetic solutions. Furthermore, the role involves delving into cutting-edge biotechnology applications for cosmetic ingredient development. A strong interest and experience in addressing the specific haircare and skincare needs of African consumers will be highly advantageous. You will contribute to cutting-edge research projects, fostering collaborations with internal and external stakeholders, including engaging with start-up companies, incubators, and accelerators, thereby enriching L'Oréal's global innovation pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct comprehensive research in the field of cosmetic raw materials, leveraging the region's unique biodiversity and geological resources, with a specific focus on identifying and characterizing bio-based, readily biodegradable, and sustainably sourced mineral ingredients. This includes exploring applications of biomimicry and biotechnology in ingredient discovery.

Lead feedstock mapping initiatives in Sub-Saharan Africa, identifying and evaluating potential sources of sustainable cosmetic raw materials, including plants, algae, minerals, clays, and other natural resources. This involves assessing their availability, quality, purity, and sustainability potential.

Support the development and execution of a strategic research agenda for Sub-Saharan Africa, aligned with L'Oréal's global research priorities and L4TF sustainability commitments, with a focus on meeting the specific needs of African consumers. This agenda will incorporate insights from cross-industry research.

Participate in bioprospecting activities, ensuring full compliance with Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) regulations and ethical sourcing practices, in line with L4TF's focus on respecting biodiversity and local communities.

Collaborate closely with a diverse team of researchers, contributing to a culture of scientific excellence and sustainability.

Assist in building and maintaining robust relationships with academic institutions, biotechnology research organizations, local communities, geological surveys, and potential feedstock suppliers, actively promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing partnerships. This includes proactive engagement with start-up companies, incubators, and accelerators to scout for innovative solutions.

Conduct rigorous laboratory testing of novel raw materials to assess their efficacy, safety, and suitability for cosmetic applications, ensuring they meet L'Oréal's stringent quality standards.

Contribute to the preparation of detailed research findings, including feedstock assessments, for compelling presentation to internal and external stakeholders, highlighting the sustainability and ethical sourcing benefits of discovered ingredients, and their potential application in addressing African haircare and skincare challenges.

Monitor scientific and technological advancements relevant to sustainable cosmetic ingredients, mineral processing, and feedstock mapping techniques, supporting the identification of new opportunities for innovation specifically relevant to African consumers. This includes keeping abreast of developments from cross-industry research.

Ensure compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory standards for cosmetic ingredients, aligning with L4TF's unwavering commitment to responsible production.

Qualifications & Experience:

Master's degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Botany, Ethnobotany, Geology, Geochemistry, or a related field). A Ph.D. is highly desirable.

Proven track record of research in biodiversity, ecology, bioprospecting, mineralogy, or cosmetic raw materials, with a focus on sustainable or bio-based materials is a significant advantage. 

Familiarity with the cosmetic industry and its specific regulatory landscape is advantageous, particularly concerning sustainability certifications, ethical sourcing standards, and labelling.

Experience in feedstock mapping or resource assessment is highly desirable.

Understanding of Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit Sharing principles and their practical application in the South African context related to research, development, and commercialization.

Excellent project management and collaboration skills.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and build relationships with external partners.

Proficiency in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of other South African languages is a plus.

A genuine passion for the beauty industry and a strong commitment to sustainable and ethical research practices, aligned with L'Oréal's L4TF vision.

Demonstrated interest and experience in researching and developing solutions for haircare and skincare challenges faced by African consumers is highly advantageous.

Additional Desirable Skills:

A Diploma in Cosmetic Formulations would be advantageous.

Knowledge of traditional uses of plants, minerals, and other natural resources in cosmetics, particularly within African traditions.

Expertise in analytical techniques relevant to cosmetic research, especially those related to biodegradability, bio-based content analysis, and mineral characterization.

If you are a driven and innovative researcher with a passion for uncovering the beauty secrets of nature through sustainable practices, exploring novel research avenues like biomimicry and biotechnology, and applying them to address the unique needs of African consumers, we invite you to join our team for this exciting 12-month fixed-term opportunity

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition or disability. We adhere to all local Labour Relations legislation.

Closing Date:  10 October 2025