Toxicology Lead

Who we are

You might know us as the inventors of the bath bomb, but there's more to this great, family-run company than pioneering cosmetics. We believe our business should put more back into the world than it takes and demonstrate that capitalism can be a force for good.

The successful candidate will be expected to work from our Paris office 2-3 days per week covering a maternity contract for 12 months.

The toxicology lead will be focused on animal‑free safety assessments and approval of new products. In this role you will lead and manage a team to instigate and deliver testing programs, interpret results, and provide comprehensive advice to the broader business regarding ingredient safety and usage.

The Toxicology team ensures consumer safety through scientifically relevant methods based on human models of testing. We're a small and supportive team, enabling compliance, and for Lush to stay at the forefront of safety testing. We value each individual for their contribution, passion and experience, as well as areas of expertise. You will manage your own workload, and work closely with other teams across Lush, and with external companies.

Please note:

We may close this vacancy early if we receive an overwhelming response or our business requirements change.

• Oversee daily operations, run team meetings, recruit and onboard new members, coordinate training and development, manage performance, and foster a supportive and empowering environment. Ensure effective collaboration with other departments and maintain responsibility for the team's budget and resource planning.
• Provide guidance to the Chemical Analyst responsible for GC‑MS analyses, Safety Data Sheet (SDS) preparation, and VOC‑related projects.
• Collaborate with Directors and product developers to provide scientific and safety guidance on new products, formulations, and innovations.
• Evaluate complex and unconventional products, ensuring compliance with internal standards and global regulatory requirements.
• Oversee the testing budget and coordinate in vitro testing. Develop innovative assays (e.g., 3D genotoxicity tests) in collaboration with our testing partners and other external labs.
• Support studies on ingredient safety, Prop 65 materials, eczema and microbiome research, and hair dye innovation with an external partnership; review and interpret results, and prepare scientific conclusions.
• Provide final safety sign‑off for new products, monitor post‑market feedback (including customer reactions), and take proactive steps to maintain high safety standards.

• Masters degree or PhD in in vitro toxicology or a related scientific discipline.
• Strong passion for in vitro toxicology and a deep understanding of non‑animal testing methodologies.
• It would be beneficial to have experience leading toxicology teams, managing complex projects, and coordinating research activities in an animal‑free testing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with confidence in presenting scientific information to diverse audiences – from internal teams and leadership to external partners and regulatory bodies.
• Advanced critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities to address complex toxicological challenges and optimise testing strategies.
• Committed to ethical science and ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards for non‑animal testing and product safety.
• Skilled in working across multidisciplinary teams, including scientists, product developers, and regulatory experts, to achieve common objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to manage toxicology projects from concept through completion, meeting deadlines, quality standards, and business goals.
• Strong data interpretation skills, with the ability to evaluate complex toxicological information and draw meaningful conclusions for product safety decisions.
• Familiarity with global regulatory frameworks governing chemical safety and toxicological assessment, including REACH and other relevant international directives.