Kenvue is currently recruiting for a:
Principal Scientist - Front-End Innovation EMEA
What we do
At Kenvue, we realize the extraordinary power of everyday care. Built on over a century of heritage and rooted in science, we’re the house of iconic brands - including NEUTROGENA®, AVEENO®, TYLENOL®, LISTERINE®, JOHNSON’S® and BAND-AID® that you already know and love. Science is our passion; care is our talent.
Who We Are
Our global team is ~ 22,000 brilliant people with a workplace culture where every voice matters, and every contribution is appreciated. We are passionate about insights, innovation and committed to delivering the best products to our customers. With expertise and empathy, being a Kenvuer means having the power to impact millions of people every day. We put people first, care fiercely, earn trust with science and solve with courage – and have brilliant opportunities waiting for you! Join us in shaping our future–and yours.
Role reports to:
VP Product Development, EMEA
Location:
Europe/Middle East/Africa, Sweden, Skane, Helsingborg
Work Location:
Hybrid
What you will do
This role will lead front-end innovation for the EMEA pipeline across Global Nicorette, Cough & Cold, Digestive Health, and key regional brands. The Principal Scientist will shape the technical innovation strategy, identify new product opportunities, and work closely with product development to build a strong and differentiated portfolio.
The role focuses on translating science, emerging technologies, and consumer insights into meaningful innovations that deliver real value for consumers and healthcare professionals. It includes exploring new ideas, identifying white space opportunities, and advancing concepts through early-stage development.
The position requires close collaboration across a broad network of internal and external partners, including R&D, clinical research and claims, regulatory, safety, legal, sourcing, product development, and marketing teams. Working in a global matrix, the Principal Scientist will play a key role in aligning perspectives and driving progress.
We are looking for a strong scientific profile with experience in medicated and non-medicated technologies, combined with a pragmatic and solution-oriented mindset. The successful candidate is a collaborative team player, comfortable working in complexity and ambiguity, and able to balance innovation, risk, and speed. Strong communication skills and the ability to build trust across functions are essential.
-
Drive early-stage research and technology scouting, translating scientific and consumer insights into a strong pipeline of innovation opportunities across multiple brands and categories.
-
Define and align on innovation and R&D strategies with global, cross-functional partners, ensuring a clear path from concept to development while balancing short- and long-term priorities.
-
Act as a technical subject matter expert to identify, assess, and validate new technologies, enabling differentiated product concepts, external collaborations, and business development opportunities.
-
Ensure robust foundations for innovation platforms, including claims strategy, supporting evidence generation, and intellectual property considerations.
-
Translate complex scientific insights into clear, consumer-relevant benefits, strengthening both internal understanding and external communication.
-
Build strong, trust-based partnerships across R&D, product development, regulatory, safety, legal, sourcing, and marketing to drive alignment and accelerate progress in a global matrix environment.
Travel on the Job: Yes
Percentage Travel: 10%
Type of Travel Required: International
Required Qualifications
Required Minimum Education: PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (preferred) or master’s degree (MSc) in a relevant field with significant industry experience
Required Years of Related Experience: 3-5 years with relevant experience in consumer industry and scientific function
-
Preferred Related Industry Experience:
- PhD 3+ years industry experience; MSc level 5+ years related industry experience
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
-
Strong scientific foundation, intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills;
-
Capable of establishing & leading multiple research programs
-
Familiarity with Self Care regulatory requirements a plus
-
Able to write/present external posters and publications; interpret and present data to broad audience
-
Being able to connect cross-functionally to determine testing needs for a variety of projects.
If you are an individual with a disability, please check our Disability Assistance page for information on how to request an accommodation.
