Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Division: Research & Innovation
Who We Are
At L'Oral, we're not just about beauty products; we're about empowering people to embrace their unique beauty and change the world. For over a century, our passion for innovation has fuelled our mission to offer every individual the best in beauty. We are a company driven by creativity, a pioneering spirit, and a commitment to making a positive impact. This internship sits within our Research & Innovation division, focusing on translating cutting-edge scientific advancements into compelling product claims and innovative solutions specifically for the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) market.
Role Overview
The Scientific Valorization Intern will play a key role in bridging the gap between scientific discovery and consumer-facing product benefits. This role demands a strong scientific foundation, a passion for the beauty industry, and exceptional communication skills. The ideal candidate will possess a keen understanding of consumer trends, particularly within the SSA region, and demonstrate social media proficiency to effectively convey complex scientific concepts in an engaging manner.
Key Responsibilities
- Claim Development & Substantiation: Develop and scientifically substantiate innovative product claims that resonate with consumer needs and align with current market trends, specifically within the SSA region.
- Scientific Dossier Creation: Create comprehensive and robust scientific dossiers for local (SSA) and international product launches, ensuring full compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements.
- Scientific Communication Strategy: Develop and implement effective scientific communication strategies, leveraging social media expertise to engage target audiences and clearly articulate product benefits based on scientific findings.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Research & Innovation (R&I), and Regulatory, to ensure scientific accuracy, relevance, and alignment with brand objectives.
- Market Research & Analysis: Conduct thorough market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for innovation and inform product development strategies within the SSA market.
- Knowledge Development & Sharing: Continuously expand and share expertise in cosmetic science and formulation, staying abreast of the latest industry advancements and disseminating relevant information to internal teams.
- Education: M.Sc. or higher in Chemistry, Biology, Cosmetic Science, or a related field. A strong understanding of cosmetic formulation is essential. A degree in Marketing or Communications is a plus.
- Project Management: Proven experience in project management, demonstrating familiarity with strategic project management tools and techniques.
- R&D Expertise: Solid understanding of scientific research and development processes, with the ability to translate complex scientific knowledge into innovative product solutions. A commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the field of cosmetic science is crucial.
- Consumer Focus: Demonstrated ability to gather consumer insights, particularly within the SSA market, and translate them into tangible product performance goals. The ideal candidate will stay up-to-date on the latest cosmetic trends and possess strong social media acumen.
- Collaboration & Leadership: Proven ability to foster effective cross-functional collaboration and communicate clearly with both business and brand teams.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Background in regulatory affairs or legal compliance within scientific projects is a plus.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship: Capacity to generate and manage disruptive innovations while ensuring adherence to all quality and safety standards.
- Communication & Organization: Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential for success in this role.
- SSA Market Knowledge: Knowledge of the SSA cosmetics market is highly desirable.
If you're a scientifically driven individual with a passion for beauty and a desire to make a real impact in the dynamic SSA market, we encourage you to apply! For further information about L'Oral and our commitment to diversity and inclusion, please visit loreal.com.