Applied Research Scientist (12-month contract)

DECIEM | THE ABNORMAL BEAUTY COMPANY; Toronto; On-site; CAD 67,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation & personal days

Paid parental leave (6 months)

Employee assistance program

Development grants & LinkedIn Learning

Product discount

Job summary

DECIEM, The Abnormal Beauty Company, seeks an Applied Research Scientist to drive upstream scientific innovation and translate raw material research into high-performing product concepts. Based at our Liberty Village head office in Toronto, this on-site role focuses on ingredient discovery, formulation science, and cross-functional collaboration.

The 12-month contract requires a minimum 3+ years in topical research, a bachelor's in chemistry, and solid knowledge of GLP/GMP.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years in topical research or ingredient selection work.
• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field.
• Strong knowledge of cosmetic formulation tech and active ingredients.
• Experience with GLP/GMP and regulatory requirements for cosmetic products.
• Ability to translate research into proof-of-concept product concepts.

Responsibilities

• Research RMs and cosmetic active ingredients to identify MOA and pathways, recommending delivery systems for substantiation, cost-effectiveness and efficacy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientific departments to select RMs/ingredients and emerging technologies for stronger formulations in NPDs.
• Proactively manage all aspects of RM/active ingredient selection.
• Support development of proof-of-concept testing strategies with Clinical and Analytical teams.
• Generate technical guidance documents to support cross-functional alignment and transfer.

Skills

Scientific research

Cross-functional collaboration

GLP/GMP understanding

Cosmetic formulation knowledge

Analytical testing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related field

Job description

WHAT ON EARTH IS DECIEM?

We are a collective of disrupters and doers, of creatives and scientists, with a mission to reimagine the world of beauty.

Since inception, our vertically integrated structure, including our own laboratories, manufacturing, retail stores, and brand infrastructure, have enabled us to rapidly identify opportunities and deliver quality. Home to The Ordinary, NIOD, AVESTAN, and other emerging brands, our goal is to create with purpose. We were founded on the principle of doing everything that others don’t. Because normal gets you nowhere.

We are DECIEM, The Abnormal Beauty Company.

We are growing rapidly and we’re looking for someone who shares this vision and wants to grow with us!

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

At DECIEM, the Applied Research Scientist plays a pivotal role in driving upstream scientific innovation and translating raw material research and emerging technologies into high-performing product concepts across our portfolio. Operating at the intersection of scientific ideation, formulation science, and cross-functional collaboration, this position bridges ingredient discovery with commercial product reality by recommending raw materials (RM’s)/cosmetic active ingredients, establishing proof-of-concept testing strategies, and optimizing formulation robustness.

This position is for a 12-month contract and will be based out of our Head Office, located in Liberty Village Toronto. Candidates will need to work on-site 5-days a week.

PAY RANGE

The anticipated base salary for this position is $67,000 to $73,000.

Exact salary depends on several factors such as experience, skills, education, and budget. Salary range may vary based on geographic location.

WHAT YOU'D BE DOING IN THIS ROLE

• Research raw materials (RMs) and cosmetic active ingredients to identify modes of action (MOA) and biological pathways, recommending optimal delivery systems to maximize claim substantiation, cost-effectiveness, and formula efficacy.
• Collaborate with cross-functional scientific departments to select RMs/ cosmetic active ingredients and emerging technologies that enhance formulation robustness for New Product Developments (NPDs).
• Proactively manage all aspects of RMs/ cosmetic active ingredient selection.
• Support the develop proof-of-concept testing strategies and protocols in coordination with Clinical and Analytical teams.
• Generate comprehensive technical guidance documents to support cross-functional alignment and technical transfer.
• Lead the development of scientific product concepts for NPDs, presenting and securing necessary buy-in from critical stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and propose new concept initiatives for brand portfolio expansion.
• Aid to troubleshoot existing product issues following detailed root-cause analysis and execute structured action plans.
• Actively engage in supplier meetings, industry conferences, and scientific seminars to remain updated on cutting-edge industry trends and RM innovations.
• Assist in preparing technical documentation for Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax credits, grants, and patent filings for new Intellectual Property.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO GET THE JOB DONE

• Minimum 3+ years of research related to topical applications or research related to ingredient selection
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific field
• Good technical knowledge of existing and latest developments in cosmetic formulation technology, cosmetic active ingredients, and functional raw materials
• Practical knowledge of product behaviour and active ingredient stability issues in cosmetic formulations, and the strategies to overcome them
• Strong knowledge of GLP and GMP guidelines, and regulatory requirements applicable to cosmetic, OTC and supplement products

WHAT YOU'LL BE GAINING BY JOINING OUR TEAM

There’s a lot of good stuff that comes along with being a DECIEM team member. Here’s a few of our favourite perks and benefits, in no particular order…

• Generous Vacation & Personal Days, plus additional time off for volunteering in your community, voting, peaceful protesting, celebrating your birthday, and more.
• 6 months of paid time off for new parents (inclusive of all genders).
• Unlimited access to an Employee Assistance Program that includes mental health care, mindfulness programs, and more.
• Access to Development Grants & a LinkedIn Learning membership to help you keep growing and learning.
• A generous discount on DECIEM products for you, your family, and your friends.

BUILDING GROWTH TO POWER GOOD

We are a People first company that lives by our core values to…

• Defy Convention.
• Make it real.
• Play in the grey.
• Build Bridges.
• Be the rabbit.

These values continue to guide us in all that we do. Along the way, we’ve been honoured to win some pretty incredible awards, including a CEW Achiever Award, Best Skincare Brand at Sunday Times Style Beauty Awards, and Most Popular Sustainable Brand by The Cosmetify Index Global. We’re still blushing!

SUSTAINABILITY AND SOCIAL IMPACT

DECIEM’s objective is to build growth and do good things while prioritizing people, animals, and the Earth.

Our Sustainability strategy is focused on fighting climate change, improved waste management, responsible packaging, responsible sourcing and product lifecycle, and water conservation.

In 2020, DECIEM established the Good Fund to support both large and grassroots charities in response to global events.

DECIEM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by creating meaningful, measurable change in the lives of our team members and in the communities where we operate. Achieving equality is critical to DECIEM and our future. You can learn more about our DEI commitment in our open letter,

DECIEM is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, colour, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected class in accordance with applicable federal, provincial and local laws. We are also committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you are contacted to be part of our recruitment process and require accommodation, please let us know.

CREATING A HUMAN WORLD OF BEAUTY

DECIEM is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) by creating meaningful, measurable change in the lives of our team members and in the communities where we operate. Achieving equality is critical to DECIEM and our future. You can learn more about our DEI commitment in our open letter,

DECIEM is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on age, colour, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, and any other legally protected class in accordance with applicable federal, provincial and local laws. We are also committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you are contacted to be part of our recruitment process and require accommodation, please let us know.