Traya Health - Lead - Research & Development

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:

1) 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

2) 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

3) 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

4) 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

5) 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

6) 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:

1) 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

2) 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

3) 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

4) 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