Scientist I – Ingredient Discovery

The role

You will design, optimize and run biological assays to test novel ingredients for skincare claims. You will plan experiments independently, troubleshoot them, and share findings with cross-functional teams at Debut.

What you will do

• Design, develop, optimize and execute in vitro assays to characterize novel ingredients across skincare claim territories.
• Plan and execute experimental studies using primary cells, co-cultures and 3D models.
• Perform routine cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including maintaining and expanding primary and established cell lines.
• Develop and run assays such as gene expression analysis, cell viability, reporter assays, flow cytometry and ELISA.
• Troubleshoot and optimize methods to keep assays robust, reproducible and on time.
• Collect, analyze and interpret experimental data and keep accurate lab records.
• Identify new biological targets and assay methods to expand ingredient screening.
• Communicate experimental findings to cross-functional stakeholders.

Required qualifications

• PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology or a related field; or MS with 6+ years of relevant experience; or BS with 8+ years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture and in developing, optimizing and executing in vitro biological assays.
• Proficiency in gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, luciferase reporter assays and ELISA.
• Experience independently planning, executing and troubleshooting laboratory experiments.
• Willingness to work with biohazardous agents up to BSL2 and with chemicals.
• Ability to perform hands-on lab work requiring dexterity, such as pipetting.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of material up to 50 pounds.

Nice to have

• Experience working with 3D reconstructed tissue models.
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) and assay validation.
• Experience evaluating skincare active ingredients and understanding skin biology.

Before you apply

• A background check is required before employment begins, and additional background investigations may be conducted based on the job's activities.
• Employees must support and comply with the Company PPE policy, including safety glasses, safety shoes, hard hat and hearing protection.

About the company

Debut is an innovation lab that uses biotechnology to discover and scale natural ingredients with health benefits for consumer markets. It describes itself as an equal opportunity employer.