Description
Diversity matters at Lush. We are building a brand that represents the people of the world. It's what you do that counts, and we are always looking to expand perspectives and voices to shape our future.
As a Research & Development Toxicologist, you will join the Cosmetic Warriors team, which is responsible for product invention, safety assessment, and regulatory compliance. You will work closely with the R&D and Regulatory Affairs teams to support product safety sign-offs, manage ingredient data, and champion non-animal safety science.
Key Responsibilities:
- Advise in-house Research & Development (R&D), fragrance development, and product inventing teams on the safety profiles of fragrance materials, essential oils, and raw cosmetic ingredients.
- Provide clear guidance on safe usage levels, exposure limits, and concentration thresholds for new formulations.
- Act as a core member of the Cosmetic Warriors safety function, contributing to wider risk assessments and safety studies.
- Manage sample pipelines and test schedules with external testing partners, such as XCellR8.
- Analyse, interpret, and feed back on in vitro test results to inform formulation adjustments and internal safety records.
- Conduct bibliographic literature searches and systematic reviews on raw materials, botanicals, and new cosmetic ingredients.
- Assist in conducting human health safety assessments for raw materials, fresh ingredients, essential oils, and finished cosmetic formulations.
- Support the preparation, reviewing, and maintenance of documentation for Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs) and global compliance dossiers.
- Perform toxicological calculations, including Systemic Exposure Doses (SED), Margin of Safety (MoS), and Natural Origin Content calculations.
- Generate and maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) across global business markets.
- Gather, audit, and analyse technical data provided by raw material and fragrance suppliers.
- Classify raw materials based on chemical hazard profiles and determine requirements for internal routine or ad-hoc testing.
- Maintain internal chemical, biological, and toxicology databases.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Toxicology, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Pharmacology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
- 3 years plus of practical experience working as a Toxicologist, Safety Assessor, or Regulatory/Safety Scientist.
- Solid understanding of non-animal (in vitro / in silico) testing methodologies and safety assessment principles.
- Familiarity with UK/EU Cosmetic Regulations (EC 1223/2009), IFRA standards, and SDS/GHS guidelines.
- Proven ability to communicate scientific concepts and safe usage limits clearly to creative perfumers, inventors, and non-technical stakeholders.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- 6 months of full pay for parental leave
- Enhanced paternity leave
- Bonus scheme
- Day off for weekday birthdays
- Holiday purchase scheme
- 50% discount on Lush products and spa treatments
- Cycle to work scheme
- Discounted rail and bus season tickets
- Employee assistance programme
- Wellbeing & mindfulness sessions
- Access to employee-led Community Networks