R&D Scientist/Manager

About You

Nutrafol is seeking a scientific expert in hair/skin biology to help us maintain our competitive edge as innovators in hair wellness. This role will be part of the R&D Innovation team and will design/lead preclinical hair biology research programs between our company and numerous research partners, including identifying/vetting new labs/collaborators, designing experiments, managing research collaborations, maintaining records/databases, data analysis and reporting, scientific communication, allocation of resources, and working collaboratively, internally & externally. 

The successful candidate will be an expert in Hair/Skin Biology, especially in basic research/preclinical research focus, with relevant expertise including but not limited to pigmentation modulation, exosomes, biomarkers, and preclinical (in vitro & ex vivo) models. 

You are a creative problem-solver, highly organized and proactive, as well as able to consider the big picture. This person will build, design, and manage research & innovation projects including developing overall project plan, phases, workstreams, activities, deliverables, timelines, and milestones. You are unafraid to ask bold questions and propose new experiments to investigate novel/unknown territories, and highly motivated to create solutions that do not exist today.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead research & innovation projects in hair biology, including pigmentation modulation
• Identification of & coordination with labs/external partners to conduct analytical testing, in vitro, “omics” and ex vivo studies, and project progression for new ingredients, botanicals processing and/or manufacturing technologies
• Lead and execute the experimental design, work plans, data analysis and reporting
• Communication of data, including preparation of presentations, scientific posters and manuscripts for publication
• Track and manage progress on laboratory projects, managing timelines to ensure deadlines are met and roadblocks are solved for as necessary
• Create action plans for new projects generated by internal and external requests, including requests for proposals (RFPs) and/or statements of work (SOW)
• Responsible for coordination across labs, including requesting samples/supplies and documents, item coordination, and shipments, and managing timelines
• Communicate directly with various internal and external partners to research, define, and communicate progress on projects
• Develop firm understanding of internal lab/company processes and databases
• High level of organization and responsiveness for record keeping/data management for reports, NDAs/CDAs, supplier/external materials and internal presentations/data
• Build and maintain effective relationships which create a high level of trust across multiple functions
• Respond to inquiries by phone, email and in person quickly and professionally
• Participate in meetings with internal/external teams to evaluate and interpret the validity of data, determine methodologies, and evaluate lab procedures impacting the quality and timeliness of research. 
• Analyze data using statistical methodologies & ability to showcase data/results in a variety of formats
• Communicate with researchers in other laboratories; share ideas and research methodologies to improve the effectiveness of the research.
• Track & keep abreast of research techniques, methodologies and literature/IP that may facilitate designated research projects (current or future)
• Monitor the performance of both the Investigator(s) and/or the Laboratory as applicable.
• Manage the initiation, draft revision, completion and maintenance of contracts, NDAs, SOWs, invoices/payments in a timely manner.
• Support maintenance of project documentation files and internal databases with project information/updates, as directed and if applicable.

Requirements

• PhD preferred. Bachelor's and/or master’s degree; Biology, biotechnology, biochemistry or similar field preferred
• 3-6 years of post-graduate research experience with an expertise in cell and molecular biology
• Publication/patent/external presentation track record and preparation of scientific decks
• Experience with in vitro and ex vivo research related to bioactives utilized in dietary supplements and/or topical/personal care applications a plus
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and R&D project management experience
• Attention to detail and ability to complete tasks on time with a high degree of accuracy
• Show initiative and ability to work as part of a high-level team while working independently
• Proven ability to learn new skills quickly and adapt to new processes smoothly
• Open innovation experience a plus