Shield Labs

Why Shield Labs is a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

Shield Labs (myshieldsystem.com) is a fast-growing skincare startup focused on bringing innovative solutions to help men overcome acne. Since launching 3 years ago, we’ve profitably scaled to a $45M run rate and over 300,000 happy customers. With a large market, high customer satisfaction, and profitable unit economics we are well positioned to grow Shield into a household name.

We're hiring a R&D Lab Technician to work on-site at our Naples lab with our chemists to develop the most effective acne treatments in the world. This is a high impact role reporting to our Head of Product.

Role Description

·     Compensation: $60K–$80K base + health & dental insurance

·     Location: Naples, Florida (Relocation assistance provided)

·     Description: You'll support day-to-day R&D across Shield's acne and skincare products. You'll make lab batches, run testing, manage stability samples, maintain raw materials and equipment, and help our chemists execute experiments quickly and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Formulation & Batching — Prepare lab-scale skincare formulations according to established formulas, procedures, and direction using mixers, homogenizers, balances, hot plates, and other formulation equipment. Follow formulas precisely and document every batch.
• Experimental Testing — Execute controlled formulation experiments as directed, making specified changes to ingredients, concentrations, or processing conditions and other defined variables.
• Stability & Physical Testing — Maintain organized stability data and manage scheduled time-point pulls for samples on stability. Routinely test and document product specifications, including pH, viscosity, appearance, odor, density, and other relevant characteristics. Maintain clear and accurate stability records and promptly report any out-of-specification (OOS) results or notable changes.
• Lab Operations — Maintain an organized, clean, and efficient laboratory, including raw material and sample inventory, equipment, glassware, workspaces, and laboratory supplies. Monitor inventory levels and support routine equipment maintenance and calibration.
• Documentation Control — Maintain accurate and organized R&D documentation, including formulation records, raw material documentation, stability data, test results, and technical documents. Ensure records are current, traceable, and properly maintained in accordance with established documentation procedures.
• Sample Management — Prepare and ship samples to suppliers, outside laboratories, clinical partners, and contract manufacturers.
• R&D Support — Work closely with our chemists to prepare experiments, compile results, identify observations and trends, and support chemists in troubleshooting formulations, increasing the speed at which the team can iterate.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, pharmaceutical science, chemical engineering, biology, or a related field preferred.
• 1–3+ years of laboratory experience, ideally in cosmetics, skincare, personal care,  pharmaceuticals, or chemical formulation.
• Familiarity with INCI nomenclature, cosmetic raw materials, and basic formulation and batching techniques. Candidates should have a foundational understanding of how formulations are structured, common ingredient types and functions, and standard laboratory/batching practices.
• Familiarity with GMP/GLP principles, laboratory documentation practices, or experience working in a regulated laboratory environment is preferred. Candidates should understand the importance of accurate documentation, material traceability, procedural adherence, and maintaining organized laboratory records.
• Eager to learn and highly organized, with a hands-on approach to skincare and OTC formulation science, the ability to learn new laboratory equipment and testing methods, and the attention to detail required to manage multiple formulations and samples simultaneously.
• You move quickly, take ownership, and are confident in working independently with minimal direction.