Job Description

Job Title: Scientific Advisor
Location: South Africa
Reporting To: Regulatory Affairs Manager
Job Purpose: The Scientific Advisor will serve as a key scientific expert, providing crucial scientific insights and support to the Regulatory Affairs department. This role is instrumental in ensuring that all products and processes adhere to local and international scientific and regulatory standards, particularly within the dynamic South African market. The Scientific Advisor will bridge the gap between scientific innovation and regulatory compliance, contributing to the development and maintenance of a robust regulatory strategy.
Key Responsibilities:

• Scientific Expertise & Guidance: Provide in-depth scientific and technical advice on product formulations, ingredients, claims, and manufacturing processes to ensure alignment with scientific principles and regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Dossier Support: Collaborate with the Regulatory Affairs team to prepare, review, and compile scientific data and documentation for regulatory submissions, renewals, and variations for various product categories (e.g., cosmetics, personal care, OTC products as applicable).
• Scientific Data Interpretation: Analyze and interpret scientific studies, clinical data, toxicological reports, and safety assessments to support product safety, efficacy, and claim substantiation.
• Regulatory Intelligence & Monitoring: Stay abreast of evolving scientific literature, industry trends, and regulatory changes within the beauty, cosmetics, and related sectors, specifically in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa and key international markets, to anticipate potential impacts on product development and registration as well as the dissemination of evolutions and requirements to the business.
• Claim Substantiation & support: Ensure that all product claims are scientifically sound, verifiable, and compliant with local advertising and consumer protection regulations. Support business lines by translating product innovations into impactful and sincere claims.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&I, Marketing, Legal, Quality Assurance, Sustainability, Consumer Insights and Consumer Advisory teams and exports division to integrate scientific and regulatory considerations into product development, launch strategies, post marketing surveillance and fast delivery to markets.
• Stakeholder Communication/Advocacy: Act as a scientific liaison with internal and external stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, industry associations, and scientific experts, to address inquiries and provide scientific clarifications and influence regulatory and policy landscape to facilitate market access.
• Training & Education: Develop and deliver scientific/technical training to internal teams (e.g., Regulatory Affairs, Marketing, Sales) to enhance their understanding of product science and regulatory compliance.
• Risk Assessment: Participate in scientific risk assessments related to product ingredients, formulations, and potential regulatory challenges.

Qualification:

• Education: A Bachelor's degree in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Cosmetics Science, or a related scientific discipline is essential. A Master's or Ph.D. would be a significant advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a scientific, R&D, or regulatory role within the beauty, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, or consumer goods industry.
• Prior experience specifically supporting regulatory affairs in the South African context is highly desirable.
• Experience with scientific data analysis and interpretation.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of chemistry, biology, and toxicology relevant to cosmetic and personal care products.
• Familiarity with South African regulatory frameworks and guidelines (e.g., NRCS, SAHPRA where applicable, advertising standards).
• Knowledge of international regulatory standards (e.g., EU Cosmetics Regulation, FDA) is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Scientific Acumen: Excellent analytical skills with a strong ability to interpret complex scientific data and translate it into actionable insights.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, capable of explaining complex scientific concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to documentation and data accuracy.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive and strategic thinker with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Collaboration: Strong team player and proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and build strong working relationships.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving regulatory landscape.
• Project Management: Good organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
SCIENTIFIC/TECHNICAL EXCELLENCE

• Interpret scientific results effectively and communicate them with integrity.
• Continuously develop scientific/technical expertise and share knowledge.
• Develop expertise in efficacy test methodologies across various product categories (Hair/Skin/Makeup/Sun Protection/Deodorants/Fragrances).
• Translate complex scientific data for business consumption.

CREATIVITY INSPIRED BY CONSUMERS

• Develop knowledge of diverse consumer needs and translate insights into product performance communication goals.
• Drive consumer-centricity in all claims projects.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR INNOVATION

• Co-create radical and disruptive innovative product claims.
• Maximize major innovation projects while prioritizing and simplifying processes.
• Strong understanding of industry competitor Landscape.
• Foster cooperation for powerful claim development with a local and global perspective.

COLLABORATIVE LEADERSHIP FOR INNOVATION

• Implement the regulatory vision and translate it into effective goals.
• Promote collaboration among functions to ensure collective performance.
• Engage proactively with the business on future product launches and anticipate market access needs in key SSA countries.
• Map key local and international stakeholders across SSA.

L'OREAL COMPETENCIES

• TEAM PLAYER
• PASSION FOR SCIENCE
• CREATIVE
• INNOVATOR
• STRATEGIST
• COLLABORATOR
• ENTREPRENEUR

This role offers a unique opportunity to blend scientific expertise with regulatory strategy, making a significant impact on product compliance and innovation within the South African and Sub Sahara African market.
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: 15 August 2025