Principal Scientist, Analytical Development

Deciem; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the beauty industry seeks a Principal Scientist to join their Analytical Services team for a 1-year contract in Toronto. This pivotal role focuses on raw material qualification and method development, with significant responsibilities including project management, team collaboration, and compliance with industry regulations. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in analytical chemistry, exceptional analytical skills, and a passion for innovation in product formulation.

Benefits

Generous vacation and personal days

Six months paid parental leave

Work-from-anywhere flexibility

Hybrid work model

Summer Fridays

Access to mental health resources

Development grants and LinkedIn Learning memberships

Discounts on DECIEM products

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in related field or 8+/10+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Experience with analytical techniques.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements for cosmetic and OTC products.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate within cross-functional teams for new formulation launches.
• Lead method development and validation for QC-friendly product release.
• Manage analytical projects ensuring compliance with SOPs.

Skills

Proficiency in GC

Proficiency in HPLC

Proficiency in GC/MS

Proficiency in LC/MS

Extensive knowledge of cosmetic formulation technology

Understanding of GLP, GMP guidelines

People management

Education

Degree in Analytical Chemistry

Job description

We are looking for a Principal Scientist to join our Analytical Services team on a 1-year contract. This position will be based out of our Fraser Head Office, located in Liberty Village, and will require candidates to work 5 days a week on-site.

This role will focus heavily on the Raw Material Qualification Process and Method Development and Validation.

WHAT YOU’D BE DOING IN THIS ROLE

• Collaborate within cross-functional teams to launch new formulations aligned with company vision.
• Support NPD processes with analytical insights for raw material selection and phase-appropriate analytical strategies to deliver cost-effective solutions that manage risk and ensure data integrity.
• Lead method development, transfer, qualification, and validation of QC-friendly product release methods.
• Support the definition and justification of phase-appropriate specifications.
• Contribute to market expansion strategies by developing innovative approaches to support label claims.
• Contribute to formula optimization through scientific studies on product investigation, stability, formulation interactions, and manufacturing processes.
• Plan and execute complex projects while maintaining high research and documentation standards.
• Communicate project results to stakeholders through reports, publications, or presentations.
• Promote the adoption of new tools and technologies to improve capabilities and departmental growth.
• Manage analytical projects, author/review technical documents, and ensure compliance with SOPs and regulations.
• Oversee daily analytical operations, including sample custody, equipment scheduling, and regulatory compliance.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Degree in Analytical Chemistry or related field with 5+ years of experience, or 8+ years, or 10+ years of relevant industry experience.

• Proficiency in analytical techniques such as GC, GC/MS, HPLC, LC/MS, Wet Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of cosmetic formulation technology or pharmaceuticals, actives, and raw materials.
• Deep understanding of GLP, GMP guidelines, and regulatory requirements for cosmetic and OTC products.
• People management experience is a plus.

WHAT YOU’LL BE GAINING BY JOINING OUR TEAM

Enjoy various perks and benefits, including:

• Generous vacation and personal days, plus additional days for volunteering, voting, protesting, celebrating birthdays, and more.
• Six months paid parental leave for all genders.
• Four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility per year.
• A hybrid work model where applicable.
• Summer Fridays—early leave at 1 pm during summer.
• Access to mental health resources through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Development grants and LinkedIn Learning memberships.
• Discounts on DECIEM products for employees, family, and friends.