Chanel 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.
Workplace
This position is based in Shanghai, Shanghai, China. Cerulean lists 414 open roles in Shanghai, including 17 posted recently. The broader Shanghai area accounts for 440 active listings on Cerulean, 18 of which are new. In China as a whole, Cerulean currently features 1.773 open positions, with 30 posted this week.
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.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.