Lead Scientist - Consumer Testing

Lead Scientist - Consumer Testing

Job Description

You were made to do this work: exploring uncharted questions, engineering innovative solutions, advancing scientific understanding, and constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. You want to be part of a performance culture dedicated to solving real-world problems with purpose and precision. You want to work in an environment that promotes sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development. In this role, you’ll help us shape the future and improve lives for billions of people around the world. It starts with YOU.

In this role, you will:

• Own end-to-end study setup, execution, and close-out (including regulatory paperwork, research design, and informed consent oversight).
• Coordinate and train study assistants or site staff to ensure flawless execution.
• Monitor, document, and manage deviations, adverse events, and incident reporting as required.
• Serve as primary point of contact for all study logistics, documentation, and stakeholder communication related to the 1-2 businesses supported.
• Contribute to interpretive reports with clear communication of actionable recommendations, synthesizing insights from current and historical studies.
• Participate in and often leads key meetings (study kickoff, vendor or site alignment, risk review, results reporting, and knowledge transfer sessions).
• Ensure study documentation, data management, and reporting in approved systems throughout the study lifecycle.
• Partner cross-functionally (e.g. R&D, Product Safety, Legal, Regulatory, vendors, fieldwork services) to ensure integrated study planning, compliance, and effective communication of study progress, risks, and outcomes.
• Design consumer testing protocols and review documentation to ensure alignment with internal and external standards, incorporating risk assessment and mitigation strategies for participant health, safety, and data privacy.
• Guide and mentor team members and stakeholders in best practices related to responsible research conduct, participant protection, and continuous improvement processes.

About You

You perform at the highest level possible, and you appreciate a performance culture fueled by authentic caring.  You want to be part of a company actively dedicated to sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing, and career development.

You love what you do, especially when the work you do makes a difference. At Kimberly-Clark, we’re constantly exploring new ideas on how, when, and where we can best achieve results.

In one of our R&D roles, you’ll focus on winning with consumers and the market, while putting safety, mutual respect, and human dignity at the center. To succeed in this role, you will need the following qualifications:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Consumer Behavior, Market Research, Psychology or Human/Social Science-oriented curriculum with a focus on human research or another equivalent combination of education and experience with a solid background of technical knowledge and experience.
• 3+ years of work experience in marketing research methods and project management, including consumer research experience (client or supplier side) and stakeholder management .
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects in a team environment, delivering results in line with business and compliance expectations.
• Knowledge of product and consumer testing methods, with demonstrated creativity in tailoring approaches to meet evolving project needs.
• Thorough understanding of consumer research methodology, participant engagement, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) principles.
• Proficiency in the development and management of study documentation, protocol development, informed consent, and incident reporting.
• Strong statistical, analytical, and experimental design skills, translating results into actionable business knowledge.
• Excellent organizational, oral, and written communication skills; adept at synthesizing complex information and presenting clear recommendations.
• Proficiency with relevant data management and documentation platforms (e.g., PowerBI, Microsoft Office suite).

Preferred

• Advanced degree in Market research, Psychology or Social Science major/discipline. Demonstrated equivalent experience may be substituted for formal education.
• Experience designing and implementing testing protocols in a related CPG category

About Us

Huggies®. Kleenex®. Cottonelle®. Scott®. Kotex®. Poise®. Depend®. Kimberly-Clark Professional®. You already know our legendary brands—and so does the rest of the world. In fact, millions of people use Kimberly-Clark products every day. We know these a