About the Role:<\/p>\n
\tWe 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’Or\u00e9al’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.
\n\tBeyond 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’Or\u00e9al’s global innovation pipeline.<\/p>\n
Key Responsibilities:<\/p>\n
\tConduct 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.
\n\tLead 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.
\n\tSupport the development and execution of a strategic research agenda for Sub-Saharan Africa, aligned with L’Or\u00e9al’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.
\n\tParticipate 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.
\n\tCollaborate closely with a diverse team of researchers, contributing to a culture of scientific excellence and sustainability.
\n\tAssist 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.
\n\tConduct rigorous laboratory testing of novel raw materials to assess their efficacy, safety, and suitability for cosmetic applications, ensuring they meet L’Or\u00e9al’s stringent quality standards.
\n\tContribute 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.
\n\tMonitor 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.
\n\tEnsure compliance with all applicable safety and regulatory standards for cosmetic ingredients, aligning with L4TF’s unwavering commitment to responsible production.<\/p>\n
Qualifications & Experience:<\/p>\n
\tMaster’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.
\n\tProven 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.\u00a0
\n\tFamiliarity with the cosmetic industry and its specific regulatory landscape is advantageous, particularly concerning sustainability certifications, ethical sourcing standards, and labelling.
\n\tExperience in feedstock mapping or resource assessment is highly desirable.
\n\tUnderstanding of Bioprospecting, Access and Benefit Sharing principles and their practical application in the South African context related to research, development, and commercialization.
\n\tExcellent project management and collaboration skills.
\n\tStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a team and build relationships with external partners.
\n\tProficiency in English (written and spoken). Knowledge of other South African languages is a plus.
\n\tA genuine passion for the beauty industry and a strong commitment to sustainable and ethical research practices, aligned with L’Or\u00e9al’s L4TF vision.
\n\tDemonstrated interest and experience in researching and developing solutions for haircare and skincare challenges faced by African consumers is highly advantageous.<\/p>\n
Additional Desirable Skills:<\/p>\n
\tA Diploma in Cosmetic Formulations would be advantageous.
\n\tKnowledge of traditional uses of plants, minerals, and other natural resources in cosmetics, particularly within African traditions.
\n\tExpertise in analytical techniques relevant to cosmetic research, especially those related to biodegradability, bio-based content analysis, and mineral characterization.
\n\tIf 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<\/p>\n
Deadline:25th August,2025<\/p>\n
go to method of application \u00bb<\/p>\n
Apply via company website ( http:\/\/www.loreal.com ) or<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"template":"","meta":{"_promoted":"","_job_location":"","_application":"","_company_name":"L'Or\u00e9al","_company_website":"http:\/\/www.loreal.com","_company_tagline":"The world leader in beauty, present in 150 countries on five continents. Our 34 international brands include Kiehls, Lancme, Giorgio Armani Beauty, Yves Saint Laurent Beaut, Ralph Lauren, Clarisonic, Maybelline New York, Essie, Krastase, Biotherm, Shu Uemura, Viktor&Rolf, Maison Martin Margie... read morela, Urban Decay, Redken, Vichy, La Roche-Posay, Diesel, Garnier, LOral Paris, and more. For more than a century, LOral has devoted itself solely to one business: beauty. The group's mission is to provide the best in cosmetics innovation to women and men around the world with respect for their diversity. We want to bring beauty to all people. Our ambition for the coming years is to win over another one billion consumers around the world by creating the cosmetic products that meet the infinite diversity of their beauty needs and desires. If you are ready to take charge of your career and join us on our quest for the next billion consumers, follow us to get the insider scoop on our business, culture, and tips on how to join us to shape the future of beauty.","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_filled":0,"_featured":0,"_remote_position":0,"_job_salary":"","_job_salary_currency":"","_job_salary_unit":""},"job_listing_region":[11],"job-types":[18],"class_list":["post-17098","job_listing","type-job_listing","status-expired","hentry","job_listing_region-gauteng","job-type-contract"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings\/17098","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/job_listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=17098"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"job_listing_region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job_listing_region?post=17098"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/jobs.dataaxisnode.com\/southafrica\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-types?post=17098"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}