Senior Scientist I, Computational Chemistry & AI for Formulation, L’Oreal Research & Innovation – Clark, New Jersey

Life is too short for a boring career, so build an extraordinary one with us. We believe your career should spark the same thrill and curiosity as your personal interests. Creativity drives everything we do, turning ideas into meaningful impact. With opportunities across brands, markets, and divisions, your growth knows no boundaries.

Who We Are 

Join us at L’Oréal, the world's #1 beauty company present in over 150 markets. For over a century, we have been transforming; fueled by data, tech, innovation, and science. Together, we tackle big challenges while making sure we stay committed to making the world a more inclusive and a better place for everyone & our planet.

At L’Oréal Research & Innovation (R&I), we are pushing the boundaries of Science & Tech. Our 4,100 R&I experts leverage advanced technologies to understand skin, hair, and microbiome, inventing safe, trustable, and sustainable beauty experiences. Inside our Digital R&I organization, we are transforming the way we invent. We are seeking a Senior Scientist I in Computational Chemistry & Cheminformatics to serve as the technical bridge between molecular science and Artificial Intelligence. In this role, you will empower our formulation scientists to make faster, data-driven decisions, transforming chemical data into the digital tools that will define the next generation of beauty.

A Day in the Life: As a lead architect of AI for Formulation, your responsibilities include:

• Data-Driven Innovation: Partner with formulation scientists to identify high-value opportunities for predictive modeling, transforming business challenges into robust computational approaches.
• Predictive Modeling Mastery: Develop and deploy AI/ML models to predict formulation performance, ingredient compatibility, stability, and physicochemical properties.
• Cheminformatics Architecture: Build and maintain sophisticated workflows using molecular and formulation descriptors, utilizing fingerprints and QSAR/QSPR methodologies to accelerate discovery.
• Scientific Data Curation: Lead the curation and analysis of complex experimental datasets, ensuring they are structured for high-performance machine learning applications.
• Digital Tool Design: Contribute to the creation of scientist-facing digital tools and dashboards that translate complex data into actionable decision-support solutions.
• Methodological Excellence: Apply industry best practices in model validation, interpretability, and uncertainty estimation to ensure scientifically robust results.
• Cross-Functional Catalyst: Collaborate across multidisciplinary teams—including Formulation, Analytical, and Global Data Science—to integrate digital solutions into the R&D workflow.

We Are Looking For: You are a computationally-savvy chemist and a proactive collaborator who thrives at the intersection of data science and material innovation.

• Education: A completed Ph.D. (0-2 years of post-grad experience) or a master’s degree (3-5 years of post-grad experience) is required with relevant experience in Computational Chemistry, Cheminformatics, Physical Chemistry, Data Science applied to Chemistry, or a related field.
• Experience: 
  • Proven experience in computational chemistry or AI/ML applied to materials or formulations.
  • Experience translating experimental scientific data into actionable predictive models.
  • Industrial experience in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, or specialty chemicals is a significant plus.
• Technical Acumen:
  • Mastery of Python and scientific libraries (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn, RDKit, and PyTorch/TensorFlow).
  • Deep knowledge of machine learning (regression, classification, clustering) and cheminformatics fingerprints.
  • Strong foundation in formulation systems: colloids, surfactants, polymers, and emulsions.
  • Familiarity with graph-based molecular modeling or active learning is a plus.
• Soft Skills:
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to "demystify" AI for non-specialists.
  • A curious, forward-thinking mindset with a passion for identifying emerging digital trends.
• Mandatory Requirements:
  • Ability to be onsite, in the office, as it’s an essential function of the position.
  • Authorization to work in the U.S. on a permanent, ongoing basis. No immigration support/sponsorship offered for this role 

What’s In It For You

• A place for you to leave your comfort zone and grow beyond your potential (here, you’ll be encouraged to try new things and take risks!)
• Real responsibility from day 1, there’s no sitting on the sidelines at L’Oréal
• An environment where people of every ethnicity, social background, age, religion, gender and sexual orientation as well as people with disabilities are accepted, can speak up, will thrive and are celebrated!
• A place where you can contribute to something bigger! Many of our brands have societal /environmental causes to make concrete difference
• Competitive Benefits Package (Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Pension Plan)
• Base Salary Range: $77,400 - $110,300 (The actual compensation will depend on a variety of job-related factors which may include geographic location, work experience, education, and skill level) 
• Flexible Time Off (Paid Company Holidays, Paid Vacation, Vacation Buy Program, Volunteer Time, Summer Fridays & More!)
• Access to Company Perks (VIP Access to L’Oréal’s Internal Shop for Discounted Products, Monthly Mobile Allowance)
• Learning and Development Opportunities (Unlimited Access to E-learnings, Lunch & Learn Sessions, Mentorship Programs, & More!)
• Employee Resource Groups (Think Tanks and Innovation Squads)
• Access to Mental Health & Wellness Programs

Don’t meet every single requirement? At L'Oréal, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and innovative workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with the qualifications listed in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways! You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and take pride in a diverse environment. We’re committed to guaranteeing inclusive recruitment processes and advocating for hiring and promoting each candidate in an ethical and equitable way. The Group strictly prohibits discrimination against any applicant for employment because of the individual’s gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, visible and/or invisible disabilities, socio-economic and/or multicultural origins, health conditions, age, religion, or any other characteristics protected by law.