Scientist I – Assay Development, Ingredient and Product Innovation

Location: San Diego, CA (Onsite full-time required)

Summary

As a member of the Ingredient Innovation team, you will work to design and validate pre-clinical assays to characterize novel skincare ingredients. This successful candidate will work collaboratively with the bioinformatics team to design robust, functional assays that support downstream testing based on genomics data. This is a highly collaborative role that will interact with formulation, bioinformatics, and marketing teams in bringing novel, scientifically backed ingredients to market.

Essential Functions

• Design, plan, and execute pre-clinical, cell-based assays in appropriate model systems (primary mammalian cells, co-cultures, 3D models) for the characterization of small molecules
• Perform routine cell culture technique, including expansion and maintenance of primary cell lines
• Execute and optimize existing assays to rapidly screen and characterize ingredients of interest using techniques such as cell viability, reporter assays, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data while maintaining accurate records in electronic lab notebooks and databases.
• Identify new target areas and novel assays to further expand ingredient screening capabilities.
• Analyze and report data to cross-functional stakeholders.

 

Education and Experience

• PhD OR MS with 6 years of experience OR BS with 8 years of experience in cell biology or relevant field
• Demonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture and pre-clinical assay development
• Proficiency in cell biology techniques, including flow cytometry, fluorescent imaging, luciferase reporter assays, ELISA.
• Experience with histology and evaluation of 3D reconstructed tissues a plus
• Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) a plus
• Experience with skincare active ingredients highly desired.

 

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck. 
• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. 
• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2) and chemicals.
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000