About Traya Health

Traya Health is an innovative health and wellness company specializing in holistic hair care solutions that combine cosmetic, ayurvedic, and pharmaceutical approaches. Our mission is to provide effective, science-backed treatments that address the root causes of hair concerns through personalized care regimens.

Position Overview

The Research & Development Team Lead will drive Traya's product innovation strategy across our cosmetic, ayurvedic, and pharmaceutical categories. This role requires a unique blend of scientific expertise, creative problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership to develop groundbreaking hair care formulations that align with our holistic treatment philosophy.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Innovation Leadership

• Lead the R&D function and team, establishing research priorities and innovation roadmaps aligned with company strategy
• Stay at the forefront of scientific and technological advancements in hair care, dermatology, and related fields
• Identify opportunities for breakthrough products and technologies that can address unmet consumer needs
• Develop both short-term improvements to existing formulas and long-term innovation platforms

Formulation Development

• Oversee the development of new formulations across cosmetic, ayurvedic, and pharmaceutical categories
• Lead the optimization of existing product formulations based on customer feedback, clinical results, and market trends
• Ensure product efficacy through rigorous testing methodologies and evidence-based formulation
• Facilitate the transfer of formulations from lab scale to production scale

Scientific Expertise Management

• Build and maintain a team with diverse expertise in cosmetic science, ayurvedic medicine, and pharmaceutical development
• Foster knowledge sharing and cross-pollination of ideas between different scientific disciplines
• Establish standards for scientific rigor and evidence-based product development
• Develop technical capabilities and infrastructure to support ongoing innovation

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product Category Leads to understand market needs and translate them into technical requirements
• Partner with Manufacturing to ensure formulations can be produced efficiently at scale
• Collaborate with Quality & Compliance to meet all regulatory requirements
• Support Medical Advisors in developing clinical testing protocols and interpreting results
• Provide technical guidance and expertise to Project Teams developing specific products

Knowledge Management & Intellectual Property

• Establish systems for documenting research findings, formulation details, and technical specifications
• Develop and implement intellectual property strategies to protect Traya's innovations
• Create and maintain comprehensive technical dossiers for all products
• Build the company's knowledge base on hair science and treatment modalities

External Partnership Development

• Identify and establish strategic research partnerships with universities, research institutions, and technology providers
• Evaluate potential ingredient suppliers and technology partners
• Represent Traya at scientific conferences and industry forums
• Stay connected with the broader scientific community in relevant fields

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• PhD or Master's degree in Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• Minimum 8+ years of experience in R&D within personal care, pharmaceutical, or related industries
• Proven track record of successful product development and commercialization
• Experience managing cross-functional R&D teams and projects

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of hair biology, scalp conditions, and treatment modalities
• Expertise in formulation science for topical applications
• Knowledge of ayurvedic principles and botanical ingredients highly valued
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements across cosmetic and pharmaceutical categories
• Understanding of manufacturing processes for personal care products

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and develop a team of scientists
• Excellent project management capabilities
• Outstanding communication skills, able to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively in a matrix organization

Additional Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in personalized or customized product development
• Background in clinical testing or evidence-based product development
• Knowledge of digital tools for formulation management and R&D operations
• Experience with natural and sustainable ingredient sourcing
• Understanding of Indian regulatory environment for personal care and pharmaceuticals