Senior Scientist, Preclinical Drug Discovery and Translational Biology

WHO WE ARE
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 the ODDITY LABS will power game-changing products through ODDITY’s current brands, as well as future brands.
ODDITY operates with business headquarters in New York City, an R&D center in Tel Aviv, Israel, and a biotechnology lab in Boston. Our culture is fast-paced, innovative, agile, and offers every team member the opportunity to drive a big impact.
We are seeking an experienced and strategic Principal Scientist to lead our efforts in preclinical drug discovery and translational skin biology, driving the development and validation of novel approaches across our discovery and development pipeline. You will work cross-functionally with chemistry, pharmacology, and formulation teams to advance programs from target validation through preclinical studies. You are a strategic thinker who excels in designing and executing translational biology studies, applying in vitro and ex vivo, and integrating complex data into actionable insights. This individual thrives in fast-paced, results-driven environments, is highly collaborative across disciplines, and brings a proactive approach to managing multiple projects under tight timelines.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead and execute preclinical neuroscience studies using in vitro and ex vivo models to evaluate efficacy, mechanism of action (MoA), and safety for novel small molecules and biologicals.
• Design, implement, and optimize high-throughput phenotypic assays utilizing neuronal cultures and iPSC-derived models to drive lead optimization.
• Develop and validate neuro-centric biomarkers to support target validation and preclinical proof-of-concept.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (chemistry, pharmacology, formulation, and clinical) to align biological strategy with program goals.
• Manage and guide external CRO relationships for specialized electrophysiology, imaging, and advanced neuro-analytical testing.
• Contribute to program strategy by interpreting biological data and translating findings into actionable insights for compound advancement.
• Ensure rigorous experimental design, data analysis, and clear communication of results to internal stakeholders and external collaborators.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies in skin biology and dermatological research, driving innovation in models and methodologies.
• Advance projects from target validation through preclinical development, ensuring delivery of high-quality data packages that support decision-making and regulatory readiness.

WHO YOU ARE

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Neuroscience, Pharmacology, or a related life science field.
• 8+ years of industry experience in preclinical drug discovery or translational biology, specifically within the neuroscience domain.
• Deep Technical Expertise: Proven experience establishing and running phenotypic assays with primary neuronal cultures and iPSC-derived models is a must.
• Prior experience drugging neurotransmitter receptors, GPCRs, and Ion Channels is highly preferred.
• Previous experience in research programs focused on neurodegeneration, chronic pain, and/or neurodevelopmental disorders is ideal.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive compensation and benefits package.
• This position will consider and sponsor candidates on a visa (OPT, STEM OPT, H1B, TN).
• This position is in-office in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office and laboratory.
• The salary for this position is negotiable and commensurate with experience.

Note: We’re currently hiring for many roles! Not the right fit, but interested in another position? Contact us olabs.jobs@oddity.com