Arcaea is building a new ingredient toolset for the beauty and personal care industry - one rooted in biotechnology with the aim of delivering radical performance and unparalleled sustainability that will also present new opportunities for storytelling.
We’re hiring an Associate Scientist to contribute to the development and evaluation of innovative hair care products. This role focuses on executing scientific protocols, performing efficacy testing, and providing data-driven insights to support product claims. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented researcher with a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and a passion for hair science.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Conduct standardized Testing Procedures (SOPs) for product efficacy using consumer-relevant predictive assays.
- Design robust experiments, perform comprehensive data analysis, and present findings to help guide product direction.
- Evaluate the performance of formula prototypes and raw materials through rigorous bench testing.
- Develop simplex formulas to screen new ingredients and assess their functional benefits within hair care applications.
- Utilize microscopy, spectroscopy, and mechanical/thermal analysis to characterize hair properties and the effects of various products.
- Manage the preparation and standardized treatment of hair substrates for consistent and reproducible testing.
- Conduct literature reviews to stay current on hair science, competitor products, and ingredient innovations.
- Maintain laboratory equipment and ensure a clean, safe, and efficient working environment.
- BS in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- 1–3 years of experience in a personal care laboratory setting, with a strong preference for hair care.
- Proven experience in cosmetic product efficacy testing or claims substantiation.
- Proficiency in mechanical testing, surface analysis, or thermal analysis. Experience with delicate, hands-on laboratory tasks and precise measurements is essential.
- Proficiency in searching and interpreting scientific literature. Experience with image analysis and statistical software is a plus.
- Strong knowledge of hair care product categories and consumer needs.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a conscientious approach to data integrity.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
The full compensation package is based on candidate experience.
We are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion in all its practices. It is the policy of Arcaea to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants.
Agency and Third Party Recruiter Notice: Agencies that submit a resume to Arcaea must have a current executed Arcaea Agency Agreement executed by the Director, People Operations. In addition Agencies may only submit candidates to positions for which they have been invited to do so by an Arcaea Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to the Arcaea Recruiter under these terms or they will not be considered.
If you have a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act or similar law, or you require religious accommodation, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at our company, please contact [email protected].
Arcaea participates in E-verify to determine employment eligibility.
Disclaimer: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.
Top Skills
What We Do
Arcaea (Ar-kay-uh). We're on a mission to build a new foundation for the beauty industry where biology as the creative tool for self-expression. We're growing new ingredients and product experiences for beauty through technology that includes DNA sequencing, biological engineering, fermentation and more. By culturing industry-leading, safe, and sustainable ingredients, we intend to create a new supply chain for the industry that does not rely on petrochemicals or on harvesting and depleting natural resources while making products that can deliver new functionality and performance across skincare, bodycare, haircare, and aesthetics. Arcaea was incubated on the Ginkgo Bioworks platform under the working title Kalo.
