Director of Research & Development

Description

Rodan + Fields

Director of Research & Development

Company Overview: Rodan + Fields Beauty, LLC is a leading-edge, affiliate powered, direct-to consumer skincare and haircare company dedicated to providing efficacy-based, dermatology-inspired, high-quality beauty care solutions to their discerning customers.

Position Overview: We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Research & Development to lead our efforts in technology innovation, advanced product formulations, and pre-clinical efficacy modeling. The Director of Research & Development will be primarily responsible for driving the research, development, and pre-clinical validation of innovative skincare products that meet the highest standards of efficacy, safety, and quality. The Director will also play a pivotal role in shaping the company's product portfolio, driving growth, and maintaining the brands’ competitive edge in the market.

Core Responsibilities

• Provide and support strategic scientific research to prospect, research and propose new technologies and ingredients to expand and enhance the portfolio, collaborating closely with various cross functional teams. Focused development of specific proprietary technology platforms each year.
• With oversight from Chief Innovation Officer, directing formulation and pre-clinical efficacy and safety modeling of new technology candidates as well as new and reformulated products, ensuring they meet the high Rodan + Fields safety and efficacy standards as well as cost of goods requirements and operational feasibility.
• Collaborate with legal and other team members to ensure compliance with regulatory and legal standards and guidelines governing formula development and shelf-life/expiry dating activities.
• Provide support as needed to marketing/product development teams to obtain approval on new and improved products from the company executive team members.
• Provide on-site management oversight of the Research & Development team and lab facility capabilities.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with academic institutions, research organizations, and biotechnology companies to access novel technologies, insights, and collaborative opportunities.
• In conjunction with legal and other team members, expand the company’s intellectual property estate including exclusive technology access and patent filings in partnership with marketing and legal teams.
• Lead the design, sourcing, execution and data analysis of the company’s pre-clinical study programs, in collaboration with external CROs as needed.
• Contribute to technology, product and/or clinical study manuscripts for either publication, podium presentation or public dissemination, in partnership with relevant consulting physicians as required.
• Assist with training and education with any members of the company’s internal stakeholders, Dermatology Advisory Board or other key physician partners.
• Provide Global Brand Ambassadorship as needed through speaking engagements and scientific educational forums to drive scientific credibility, competitive recognition and promotion of Rodan + Fields product science and technological innovations.
• Support internal stakeholders as needed in providing responses to scientific inquiries from internal staff and/or affiliate partners with regard to ingredients, technologies, claims, clinical profiles, mechanisms of action and similar scientific requests.
• Develop, propose and manage departmental budgeting in conjunction with the Chief Innovation Officer in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and scientific rigor within the Research & Development Team and throughout the organization.
  
  

Qualifications

• Ideal candidates should possess a Masters of PhD in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific discipline. Bachelor’s degree candidates will also be considered.
• The lead candidate must have a proven ability to innovate and manage multiple, complex R&D processes. Proven success developing multiple technology platforms, including licensing external technologies.
• A minimum of 10 years of related hands-on formulation experience with Cosmetic and OTC class skincare and haircare products with a proven track record of success in commercializing said products preferably within both mass-market and prestige market segments.
• Well versed in claim substantiation as well as clinical and pre-clinical testing models and methods.
• A leader in training, mentoring and developing scientific staff to levels of elevated performance.
• Highly effective organizational planning skills and project management of multiple projects/products is required.
• Team oriented with a record of successful cross-functional team and leadership contributions. Excellent, hands-on leadership, communication, and strategic planning skills, with the ability to inspire and influence your direct and cross-functional teams.
• Experienced brand ambassador with highly effective public communications and presentation skills.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving skills across the areas of complex technology and formulation development.
• Deep understanding of regulatory requirements governing cosmetic and OTC class products including FDA regulations, EU directives, and global cosmetic safety standards.
• Experience in managing intellectual property and driving innovation through IP strategies is desirable.
• Proven acumen utilizing standard software programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Hard-working, with natural curiosity to innovate and improve.
  
  

Reporting Relationship

The position will report directly to the Chief Innovation Officer.

Location

The position is located in Berkely, CA (100% on-site) with potential for some domestic or international travel required.