Summary

As a member of the Ingredient Discovery team, you will develop, optimize, and execute biological assays to characterize novel ingredients and evaluate their activity across a range of skincare claim territories. This role requires a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, with the ability to leverage established methodologies as well as develop new experimental approaches to investigate ingredient functionality. The successful candidate will independently drive experimental work from assay design and development through validation and hands-on execution, owning experimental planning, troubleshooting, and the timely generation of high-quality, reproducible data. Working collaboratively with multiple teams at Debut, you will help translate biological insights into functional evidence that supports ingredient innovation and product development.

Job description

Summary

As a member of the Ingredient Discovery team, you will develop, optimize, and execute biological assays to characterize novel ingredients and evaluate their activity across a range of skincare claim territories. This role requires a strong foundation in molecular and cellular biology, with the ability to leverage established methodologies as well as develop new experimental approaches to investigate ingredient functionality. The successful candidate will independently drive experimental work from assay design and development through validation and hands-on execution, owning experimental planning, troubleshooting, and the timely generation of high-quality, reproducible data. Working collaboratively with multiple teams at Debut, you will help translate biological insights into functional evidence that supports ingredient innovation and product development.

Essential Functions

Design, develop, optimize, and execute in vitro assays to characterize novel ingredients across diverse skincare claim territories.
Independently plan and execute experimental studies using appropriate cellular models, including primary cells, co-cultures, and 3D models.
Perform routine cell culture and molecular biology techniques, including maintenance and expansion of primary and established cell lines.
Develop and execute assays using techniques such as gene expression analysis, cell viability, reporter assays, flow cytometry, and ELISA.
Troubleshoot and optimize experimental methods to ensure assay robustness, reproducibility, and timely data generation.
Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data while maintaining accurate laboratory records.
Identify new biological targets and assay methodologies to expand ingredient screening capabilities.
Communicate experimental findings and scientific insights to cross-functional stakeholders.

Education and Experience

PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, or a related field; alternatively, MS with 6+ years or BS with 8+ years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture and development, optimization, and execution of in vitro biological assays.
Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, luciferase reporter assays, and ELISA.
Experience independently planning, executing, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments.
Experience working with 3D reconstructed tissue models is a plus.
Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) and assay validation is a plus.
Experience evaluating skincare active ingredients and understanding skin biology is highly desirable.

Requirements

PhD in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biology, or a related field; alternatively, MS with 6+ years or BS with 8+ years of relevant experience
Demonstrated experience in mammalian cell culture and development, optimization, and execution of in vitro biological assays
Proficiency in molecular and cellular biology techniques, including gene expression analysis, flow cytometry, fluorescence imaging, luciferase reporter assays, and ELISA
Experience independently planning, executing, and troubleshooting laboratory experiments
Experience working with 3D reconstructed tissue models is a plus
Familiarity with Design of Experiments (DoE) and assay validation is a plus
Experience evaluating skincare active ingredients and understanding skin biology is highly desirable

Company overview

Debut is a pioneering biotechnology company that is revolutionizing the beauty industry through cutting-edge AI and advanced biomanufacturing technologies. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Debut specializes in creating scientifically-discovered, clinically-proven, and inherently sustainable cosmetic ingredients that deliver maximum efficacy. The company has developed a vertically integrated platform that encompasses AI-driven ingredient discovery, cell-free biomanufacturing, biofermentation, formulation development, and finished product creation. Debut's proprietary Bio2Consumer™ platform screens over 50 billion molecules to identify breakthrough actives, while their extensive IP portfolio includes over 7,000 active ingredients. Named one of TIME100's Most Innovative Companies in 2025, Debut partners with major global beauty brands to incorporate their high-performance ingredients, helping partners achieve ambitious sustainability goals while delivering superior product performance. The company's unique approach combines advanced biotechnology with AI to create novel cosmetic bioactive ingredients that are unattainable through traditional methods, positioning Debut as a leader in the convergence of science and beauty innovation.