Senior Research associate

ODDITY is a consumer tech company that builds and scales digital-first brands to disrupt the offline-dominated beauty and wellness industries. The company serves over 40 million users with its AI-driven online platform, deploying data science to identify consumer needs, and developing solutions in the form of beauty and wellness products. ODDITY owns IL MAKIAGE, SpoiledChild, and medical-grade skincare and telehealth platform METHODIQ.

ODDITY LABS is our cutting-edge biotechnology R&D center, powering science-backed product innovation through the discovery and development of new molecules, probiotics, peptides, and other biological modalities. Unlike pharmaceuticals, ingredient innovation in the beauty and wellness industry has remained stagnant for decades. We are deploying patented, proprietary technologies and capabilities, including AI-based molecule discovery and advanced phenotypic databases, to understand the biological mechanisms that drive cellular behavior and develop uniquely efficacious products for beauty and wellness applications. Innovations from ODDITY LABS will power game-changing products through ODDITY’s current brands, as well as future brands.

THE ROLE

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to join the biology team at ODDITY LABS and drive the hands-on experimental work behind our skin-biology discovery programs. You will independently design and run cell-based and tissue-based assays that evaluate novel molecules, peptides, and other actives for efficacy and safety. You will also analyze and present the results, and help develop and optimize the assays our programs rely on. Working closely with scientists, chemists, and external CROs, you will play a central role in generating the high-quality data that moves candidates from screening toward product development.

In this role you will:

• Independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot cell-based assays in primary human skin cells (keratinocytes, fibroblasts, melanocytes) and established cell lines to evaluate compound efficacy and mechanism of action.
• Run dose-response studies and screening campaigns, and analyze the data to determine potency (e.g., IC50/EC50), efficacy, and cytotoxicity.
• Develop, optimize, and validate new in vitro assays, including 3D reconstructed skin models and ex vivo human skin.
• Perform a range of molecular and cellular techniques, including ELISA, qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, and plate-based and imaging readouts.
• Maintain cell banks and cell culture operations, including aseptic technique, media preparation, and contamination control.
• Analyze, interpret, and present data clearly in team meetings, and contribute to experimental design and program decisions.

WHO YOU ARE

• B.S. or M.S. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field, with 4+ years (B.S.) or 2+ years (M.S.) of hands-on experience in an industry or biotech research setting.
• Strong mammalian cell culture skills, including experience with primary human cells.
• Demonstrated experience developing, running, and troubleshooting cell-based assays, including dose-response experiments.
• Proficiency with core molecular and cellular biology techniques (ELISA, qPCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, plate readers, microscopy).

PREFERRED

• Experience in dermatology or skin biology research, such as pigmentation, skin aging, inflammation, or barrier function.
• Hands-on experience with 3D reconstructed skin models (e.g., EpiDerm, MelanoDerm) or ex vivo human skin.
• Familiarity with high-content imaging, image analysis, or lab automation and liquid handling.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Visa sponsorship available (OPT, STEM OPT, H1B, TN).
• This position is in-office in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office and laboratory.