Associate Chemist, Analytical Development (12-month contract)

Deciem Inc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous vacation & personal days

6 months paid parental leave

Work from anywhere 4 weeks per year

Dog-friendly office

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

DECIEM, The Abnormal Beauty Company, seeks an Associate Chemist for the Analytical Developments team in Toronto. This entry-level role supports physical characterization for cosmetic formulation development on a 12-month contract, on-site, five days a week.

The successful candidate has a bachelor’s in a chemistry-related field, strong physical chemistry basics, and hands-on lab experience with particle sizing, tensiometry, and rheology. Salary ranges from CAD 60,000 to CAD 65,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• Strong theoretical foundation in physical chemistry (surface chemistry, colloids, thermodynamics, emulsion science, surfactant chemistry).
• Hands-on lab experience with particle sizing techniques (DLS, laser diffraction) from coursework or internship.
• Hands-on experience with tensiometry or surface tension measurement methods.
• Familiarity with rheology measurements and spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis) is an asset.
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment; lift up to 50 lbs occasionally; stand for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Execute thermal analysis experiments to evaluate stability and transitions of cosmetic ingredients and formulations.
• Perform particle size distribution measurements using DLS and laser diffraction.
• Measure surface and interfacial tension; evaluate surfactant performance and CMC.
• Measure rheological properties and viscosity of products and ingredients.
• Prepare samples according to SOPs and maintain detailed lab records.
• Analyze data using specialized software and interpret results in physical chemistry context.
• Support formulation development and R&D by testing ingredient effects on stability and viscosity.
• Operate and maintain thermal analysis, particle sizing, tensiometry, and rheology instrumentation.
• Maintain laboratory notebooks and communicate anomalies to supervisors.

Skills

Particle sizing

Tensiometry

Rheology

Spectroscopy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry/related field

Tools

DLS

Laser diffraction

Job description

Associate Chemist, Analytical Development (12-month contract)

• Associate Chemist, Analytical Development (12-month contract)

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

The Associate Chemist will join the Analytical Developments team in the Physical Chemistry group to support physical characterization for cosmetic formulation development. This entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates with a strong theoretical foundation in physical chemistry who are eager to gain hands-on laboratory experience with particle sizing, thermal analysis and tensiometry instrumentation. You will characterize particle size distributions, measure surface and interfacial tension properties, and support the evaluation of cosmetic ingredients and formulated products.

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

PAY RANGE

The anticipated base salary for this position is $60,000 to $65,000.

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

• Execute thermal analysis experiments using DSC (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), TGA (Thermogravimetric Analysis), and other thermal characterization techniques to evaluate stability, phase transitions, and decomposition behavior of cosmetic ingredients and formulations
• Perform particle size distribution measurements using dynamic light scattering (DLS), laser diffraction, and other sizing techniques; characterize emulsions, suspensions, and colloidal systems used in cosmetics
• Perform surface and interfacial tension measurements using tensiometry techniques; evaluate surfactant performance, critical micelle concentration (CMC), wetting properties, and contact angles
• Measure rheological properties and viscosity behavior of formulated products and ingredients to assess flow characteristics and performance
• Prepare high-quality samples for analytical testing according to established protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Analyze thermal, particle sizing, tensiometry, and rheology data using specialized software; interpret results in context of physical chemistry principles and cosmetic application
• Support formulation development and R&D teams by testing the effects of ingredients on thermal stability, particle size, surface properties, and viscosity
• Operate and maintain thermal analysis, particle sizing, tensiometry, and rheology instrumentation; perform routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting under guidance
• Maintain detailed laboratory records, electronic data entry, and technical documentation following all quality and safety protocols
• Identify anomalies in data and communicate results to supervisors and colleagues; maintain accurate laboratory notebooks and records

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO GET THE JOB DONE

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• Strong theoretical foundation in physical chemistry principles (surface chemistry, colloids, thermodynamics, emulsion science, surfactant chemistry)
• Hands-on laboratory experience with particle sizing techniques (DLS, laser diffraction) from coursework or internship
• Hands-on experience with tensiometry or surface tension measurement methods
• Familiarity with rheology measurements and spectroscopic techniques (IR, UV-Vis) is an asset
• Ability to work in a laboratory environment; lift up to 50 lbs occasionally; stand for extended periods; visual acuity for reading instruments and data

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).
• Work from anywhere 4 weeks per year.
• A hybrid work model (for applicable roles).
• Summer Friday’s - get off at 1pm all summer long! (for applicable roles).
• A dog-friendly office (and lots of cute dogs to play with).
• 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…

• Play in the grey.
• 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.

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, " Belonging is the Destination, Change is the Journey ".

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.