Principal Scientist, Preclinical Drug Discovery and Translational Biology

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, Spoiled Child, 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.

• Lead and execute preclinical studies with a focus on skin biology, using in vitro and ex vivo models to evaluate efficacy, mechanism of action, and safety.
• Design, implement, and optimize assays for skin-relevant endpoints, wound healing,, pigmentation, lipidomics, inflammation, extracellular matrix organization and barrier function.
• Develop and validate 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 biological assays, skin models, and advanced 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.

• Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) in Biology, Bioengineering, Pharmacology, or a related life science field. Previous experience in skin biology and translational research preferred
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• 8+ years of industry experience in preclinical drug discovery, translational biology, or related areas, ideally within dermatology, cosmetics, or skin-focused therapeutics.
• Proven expertise in designing and executing in vitro and ex vivo studies to assess efficacy, safety, and mechanism of action.
• Hands-on experience with skin-relevant endpoints such as collagen, pigmentation, lipid biology, inflammation, and barrier integrity.
• Strong knowledge of biomarkers for skin health, aging, and disease, with the ability to integrate biological data into development strategies.

• 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.

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We’re currently hiring for many roles! Not the right fit, but interested in another position? Contact us