Research Assistant - Cosmetics and Personal Care

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Research Assistant to contribute to sustainable innovation in cosmetics through hands-on research and engagement with leading experts in the field.

London College of Fashion (UAL), in collaboration with a biotech company and a cosmetics brand, have been awarded an Innovate UK grant to test novel yeast-derived tropical oil and butter substitutes in personal care and cosmetics formulations.

Tropical oils, such as palm oil and cocoa butter, are in over 50% of our supermarket products. However, tropical oils are some of the biggest carbon emitters, due to tropical rainforest and peatland loss to make way for plantations - palm oil contributes over 500 million tonnes of CO2 emissions, over 1% of global emissions, from 19 million hectares of tropical land.

This has caused significant habitat loss for many species; but there is no existing alternative for ingredients like palm oil or cocoa butter that offer similar performance.

The Research Assistant will support a collaborative project between UAL and the two partners, focused on testing novel substitutes for tropical oils and butters in personal care and cosmetic formulations.

They will contribute to the design and execution of ingredient & formulation experiments, analyse results, and help identify optimal compositions for future product development. The role involves close collaboration with academic and industry partners, participation in project meetings, and assistance with reporting and dissemination.

About you
We are seeking a highly organised professional, who is capable of working independently in an interdisciplinary environment.

A first degree in an area of Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science or relevant subject is essential.

You will have proficiency in the design of experiments and experience in cosmetics and personal care product development. A high level of competency in conducting experiments independently, using laboratory equipment and following safety protocols is equally important.

You will be confident in physical characterisation methods for materials, preferably rheology and texture analysis.

We are UAL
University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

For further details and to apply please click the 'Apply' button.

Closing date: 2^nd December 2025, 23:55.

UAL is committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments for all staff and students to work and learn – a university where we can be ourselves and reach our full potential. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and Staff Support Networks. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including race, disability, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion and belief, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, and caring responsibility.

Advert information