Scientist – Skin Microbiome

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. This role will be critical to shaping and driving Arcaea’s ethos around a “biology-first” future for the industry. Our mission is to create the most consequential personal care ingredients and brands of this century.

We are building an organization where technology and storytelling coexist in a symbiotic relationship. To accomplish our vision we will need to be really good at two things: consumer engagement and technical innovation – and they will need to work together in concert.

This Scientist position will specialize in research around the skin microbiome and personal care product development. This position requires a strong background in microbiology, molecular biology, and the skin’s microbiome and as well as an entrepreneurial and collaborative spirit.

Execute key initiatives:

– Identifying and characterizing novel materials, which impact the skin microbiome
– Identifies and fills technical gaps related to skin microbiome project-specific needs
– Designs and conducts experiments to test and optimize novel ingredients and microbes
– Developing suitable cultivation conditions and assays for screening the performance of ingredients or microbes
– Testing the metabolic and physiological performance of microbes
– Develops new in vitro methods for simulating skin microbiome behavior and response to perturbations
– Supports design and execution of skin microbiome studies
– Supports the design and oversight of human clinical trials
– Analyzes data to identify limitations and bottlenecks in the performance of ingredients and microbes
– Using software and leveraging high-throughput machinery to assist the work
– Rolling up your sleeves, getting in the lab, and debugging any of the above as needed
– Participates in the development of project tasks, timelines and roadmaps
– Communicates technical information to internal teams and/or external clients in the form of oral and written
correspondence, presentations, and reports
– Review literature, data sources and intellectual property to stay current and assess competitive and scientific landscape
– Develop technical insights based on research and scientific literature
– Participates in development of patent applications
– Work with cross-functional teams to implement new technologies into new product development pipelines
– Do “whatever it takes” to get the job done and work effectively and efficiently including on a tight deadline without
drama or ego. We are a dynamic startup whose priorities may need to shift.

Desired Experience and Capabilities:

– PhD in Biochemistry, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Chemistry, Pharmacology, Immunology or related field
– A proven track record of successful design, implementation and validation of technology concepts
– Strong knowledge of biochemistry, microbial physiology and culturing gram +, gram – bacteria, & fungi
– Extensive experience with PCR, qPCR, and other molecular biology techniques
– Deep understanding of skin biology is a plus
– Experience in analyzing microbiome metagenomic datasets is a plus
– Experience with genetic engineering tools and techniques is a plus
– Fermentation experience is a plus
– Mammalian cell culture experience is a plus
– Working knowledge of analytical techniques standard to materials and biological characterization, such as NMR, HPLC,
GPC, MALDI-MS, DSC
– Passionate about keeping up with technology and new developments in the industry
– Demonstrates self-motivation, strong analytical skills and independent thinking, as well as flexibility in a dynamic
environment

We are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion in all of its practices. It is the policy of Arcaea to provide equal
employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants.

For more information click HERE