Perception & Performance Scientist (Senior)
Chanel in Shanghai seeks a Senior Perception & Performance Scientist to lead sensory and product-performance research for beauty and fragrance.
Overview
Chanel is an independent global luxury house renowned for its couture, ready-to-wear, beauty, fragrance and accessories. As an employer, the brand emphasises artisanal craftsmanship, creative excellence and scientific rigour across product development, combining a heritage-driven identity with ongoing investment in innovation and sensory research.
Role & Responsibilities
- Design, execute and interpret sensory and product-performance studies to evaluate perception, efficacy and consumer experience across beauty, fragrance and skin-care prototypes.
- Develop robust psychophysical protocols and quantitative sensory methodologies; manage sensory panels, recruit participants and ensure data quality and reproducibility.
- Lead statistical analysis and modelling of sensory and performance data; translate findings into actionable product improvements and communicate results to R&D, marketing and executive stakeholders.
- Drive cross‑functional projects with formulation scientists, analytical chemistry, regulatory and consumer insights teams to align perception metrics with product claims and development timelines.
- Mentor junior scientists, oversee external contract laboratories and vendors, and ensure compliance with internal SOPs and ethical standards for human-subject testing.
Qualifications
- Advanced degree (MSc or PhD) in sensory science, psychophysics, experimental psychology, analytical chemistry, statistics or a closely related discipline.
- Proven leadership of end-to-end sensory and performance programmes within cosmetics, fragrance or consumer-packaged-goods sectors.
- Deep knowledge of psychophysical methods, sensory panel design and best practices for human-subject testing.
- Strong statistical competency with experience in modelling sensory datasets and deriving consumer-relevant metrics.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to present complex data to multidisciplinary stakeholders.
Skills
Experience
Senior-level professional with significant hands-on experience leading sensory and product-performance research—typically 5+ years in sensory science or related roles within cosmetics, fragrance or consumer goods, including project leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
Education
MSc or PhD in sensory science, psychophysics, experimental psychology, analytical chemistry, statistics or a related scientific discipline.
Culture
Chanel combines deep respect for artisanal heritage with rigorous scientific and product-development standards. The workplace values discretion, creative curiosity and cross-disciplinary collaboration, offering scientists the opportunity to influence high‑impact consumer products while working alongside designers, formulators and marketing specialists.