Senior Scientist - Regulatory

Description

The Estée Lauder Companies is seeking a Senior Scientist, U.S. Regulatory Affairs to lead compliance strategy for our cosmetics and personal care portfolio. This is a high-visibility role that combines deep technical expertise with the opportunity to shape U.S. regulatory strategy for a global prestige company. The ideal candidate will bring hands-on experience with FDA, EPA, and state-level cosmetic regulations, in addition to leadership skills that aim to influence cross-functional teams.

Regulatory Compliance & Stewardship

• Ensure compliance with the FDA Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) and OTC drug regulations.
• Oversee Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to ensure accuracy and accessibility across regulatory systems.
• Lead compliance efforts for:
• California Proposition 65 chemical disclosures.
• CARB (California Air Resources Board) VOC restrictions.
• Washington State’s lead ban in cosmetics.
• Lacey Act requirements for sourcing botanical ingredients.
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Poison Prevention Packaging Act (PPPA) and General Certificate of Conformity (GGC) documentation generation and tracking.
• Support product stewardship, including TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) reporting and EPA-related obligations.
• Manage regulatory aspects of Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
• Maintain regulatory files, compliance reports, and documentation to support audits and inspections

Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the U.S. regulatory subject matter expert, influencing R&D, Supply Chain, and Sustainability teams.
• Provide strategic input into regulatory advocacy through engagement with industry groups such as Personal Care Products Council (PCPC).
• Monitor and interpret emerging U.S. regulatory trends, advising senior leadership on compliance and business impact.
• Lead internal training programs to raise awareness of evolving federal and state requirements.

Safety & Cosmetovigilance

• Ensure compliance with MoCRA adverse event reporting requirements.
• Assess and document U.S. consumer complaints (causality, seriousness, expectedness)

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of FDA, EPA, CARB, Prop 65, TSCA, and state-level cosmetic laws.
• Experience in CIR submissions and regulatory advocacy.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Bachelor or Masters Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Toxicology, or related discipline
• 5+ years of U.S. regulatory experience in cosmetics, personal care or OTX