Laboratory Technician

About the Role

At Tropic, we're on a mission to change the face of beauty – creating natural, sustainable, and high-performance products that customers around the world love. With global expansion on the horizon and a constant stream of discoveries in our labs, this is your chance to be at the centre of scientific innovation in cosmetics.

We're seeking a detail-driven, curious, and proactive Laboratory Technician – Product & Ingredient Evaluation to join our growing R&D team. This isn't just about running routine checks – it's about applying scientific rigour to ensure every product meets the highest standards of performance, quality, and safety, while also exploring the exciting potential of new raw materials.

From investigating formulation stability to analysing novel ingredients, you'll contribute directly to the science that underpins beauty innovation. Your work will help shape the development of products that are not only effective and safe, but also pioneering in the natural and sustainable beauty space.

If you're passionate about science, meticulous in your approach, and motivated by the idea of making a global impact, this role offers an incredible opportunity to grow your career in applied cosmetic research.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the scientific evaluation of new and existing skincare, haircare, body care, and makeup products, with focus on stability, performance, and sensory characteristics.
• Conduct stability, compatibility, and efficacy testing to ensure formulations meet defined quality and safety standards.
• Support ingredient research through literature reviews, supplier data analysis, and preliminary screening of novel raw materials.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of experimental data, evaluations, and test outcomes.
• Assist in developing and updating scientifically robust SOPs for product testing and evaluation.
• Ensure all product testing activities comply with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and internal quality standards.
• Apply GLP principles across lab activities, including proper storage, labelling, and handling of all materials under evaluation.
• Maintain ingredient databases, MSDS records, and specifications to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Manage sample and inventory levels, ensuring availability of test materials, consumables, and reference products.
• Maintain COSHH documentation and support chemists in hazard and safety assessments.
• Manage ingredient stock levels, replenish from warehouse, and ensure continuous availability of consumables.

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related scientific field.
• A genuine passion for natural, sustainable beauty products and the science behind them.
• Strong analytical, observational, and problem-solving skills with a meticulous eye for detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving R&D environment.
• Enthusiasm to learn, experiment, and contribute to scientific innovation in beauty.

What We Offer

• Employment Type: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm
• Location: This role is on-site, 5 days per week at our Tropic HQ
  (a short walk from Beddington Lane Tram stop, with direct links to East Croydon and Wimbledon)
• Starting salary: £25,000 per annum
• Benefits: Generous annual leave, 24/7 well-being support, discounted gym membership, pension scheme, enhanced maternity/paternity leave (after qualifying period), exclusive skincare collection, 50% discount for family and friends, annual product allowance, free breakfast bar, access to retailer discounts, social events, well-being treats, on-site parking, and a cycle-to-work scheme.
• Start Date: January 2026

About Tropic

Susie, our Founder and CEO, started Tropic as a teenager, selling homemade body scrubs at Greenwich Market to help her mum pay the bills. She sold out on her first day, sparking what would become one of the UK's fastest-growing beauty businesses.

Today, our range includes award-winning skincare, body care, hair care, and makeup products that are all vegan, cruelty-free, and CarbonNeutral. Our infinite purpose is simple but powerful: to help create a healthier, greener, more empowered world – and every team member plays a part in making that vision a reality.

Tropic's Commitment to Equal Opportunities

We're proud to be a diverse team, and we work hard to make everyone feel welcome and valued. At Tropic, we never discriminate, and we provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities at every stage of the hiring process.

Ultimately, we're looking for the best person for the job – so if you've got the skills, the passion, and the drive, we'd love to hear from you