Counter

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Description Company: Counter Job Title: Scientist, Product Safety Toxicologist Location: This is a remote position based in the U.S. Occasional travel to company offices or vendor sites may be required. Reports To: Senior Scientist About Us We are a startup revolutionizing beauty with a purpose: create the industry standard of “clean”. Our premium skincare, makeup, and body care formulations combine uncompromising safety, efficacy and environmental responsibility. And our vision transcends products. We are committed to inspiring confident women (and others) to recognize their collective power to create meaningful change. Our innovative community-commerce ecosystem connects conscious consumers, beauty enthusiasts, and loyalists, allowing each person to align with our brand in ways that authentically reflect their values and aspirations. From our formulas to our advocacy efforts to our community connection, we lead clean. This role will report to the Safety team’s Senior Scientist. This role is part of the larger Mission department and will work closely with cross-functional teams including Regulatory Affairs and Product Development. Responsibilities Lead evaluation of product packaging to ensure alignment with Counter’s leading safety standards. • Assist on material health safety evaluations of product packaging using current understandings of toxicology, ecotoxicology, polymer science, and environmental health research. • Remain current and keep business informed of emerging industry trends and practices regarding packaging safety and sustainability. • Ensure Counter material health standards for product packaging are industry-leading and integrate frameworks such as EU GHS, GreenScreen for Safer Chemicals, Cradle-to-Cradle, and relevant EU regulations including those related to food packaging. • Determine packaging testing needs to ensure compliance with Counter’s standards and address critical information gaps. • Contribute to the onboarding, qualification, assessment, and tracking of packaging vendors. Support Counter in staying current on the latest research and frameworks related to ingredient safety and assessment practices. • Identify and synthesize relevant science related to ingredient and product safety, including testing approaches. • Determine emerging scientific trends and risks facing the beauty industry in relation to product safety. • Help identify opportunities for Counter to advance safety-relevant goals across the beauty and personal care industry through customer and public-facing communications, and in partnership with Brand Marketing and Communications teams. • Support Mission teams efforts related to third party programs including How2Recycle and the Chemical Footprint Project. Support evaluation of Counter formulations to ensure ingredient composition conforms to the business’s leading safety standard. • Evaluate trade materials and formulations using a precautionary approach that reflects current understandings in toxicology and environmental health. • Lead transition to a new software platform that supports ingredient and formulation reviews by Regulatory and Mission teams. • Support various contaminant testing programs led by the Mission team. • Conduct literature searches as needed to generate robust chemical hazard and risk assessments, inclusive of human health and ecological endpoints, of product ingredients and formulations. Qualifications • Advanced degree in toxicology, environmental health science, packaging safety or related scientific field; and minimum 5-7 years of work experience in related field of science. • Strong understanding of basic principles of toxicology including dermal irritation and sensitization, and more complex endpoints including developmental toxicity and endocrine disruption. • Experience conducting chemical hazard and risk assessment is required, including familiarity with predictive approaches. • Demonstrated familiarity with the Principles of Green Chemistry and alternatives assessment is vital; certified GreenScreen® for Safer Chemicals Practitioner is ideal. • Expertise in packaging safety with demonstrated knowledge of material health standards and polymer hazard and risk evaluation. • Must be comfortable balancing a precautionary approach to chemical assessments while making timely decisions that allow Counter to get high-performing products to market. • Must be open-minded, respectful, driven, and a team player. • Knowledge of industry standards and government regulations related to product packaging, to cosmetics or OTC drugs is a bonus. Benefits • Eligible for the annual performance bonus • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits • 401(k) • Generous PTO and holidays • Employee discounts and merchandise credit on products • Opportunities for professional development Counter is a people-powered movement that starts with those behind it! We're building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, where every individual is respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. We know that different backgrounds, identities, and perspectives make us stronger, more creative, and better equipped to drive change. That’s why we’re committed to fostering an inclusive culture where everyone belongs. Counter is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender/gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage all individuals to apply and join us in shaping a cleaner, more inclusive future for all.