Head of Research And 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:

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head - Research & Development with a background in FMCG/Pharma and it will be great to have an understanding of Ayurveda. The ideal candidate will be a scientist with expertise in formulations, product innovation, and regulatory compliance. This role will be responsible for leading the research, development, and execution of new products that align with Traya’s holistic approach to hair care.

● Strategic Product Innovation: Lead the end-to-end development of new products, from

conceptualization to market launch, ensuring alignment with consumer needs and company

strategy.

● Research & Formulation: Develop and optimize formulations for hair care products,

integrating Ayurveda, Allopathy, and modern science.

● Regulatory & Compliance: Ensure all products comply with regulatory standards (FDA,

AYUSH, FSSAI, etc.) and maintain documentation for product approvals.

● Clinical & Efficacy Testing: Oversee clinical trials, efficacy studies, and stability testing to

validate product claims.

● Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, manufacturing, and quality

assurance teams to ensure successful product launches.

● Vendor & Raw Material Sourcing: Identify and evaluate suppliers for high-quality and

sustainable ingredients.

● Market Trends & Consumer Insights: Stay updated on industry trends, competitor

analysis, and consumer preferences to drive innovation.

● Team Leadership: Build and mentor a high-performing NPD team, fostering a culture of

innovation and scientific excellence.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• PhD or Master's degree in Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Biology, or related field
• Minimum 10+ 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