Description

The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the hands-on development, optimization, and commercialization of personal care formulations. This role is primarily focused on formulation research and product development, with secondary responsibility for supporting manufacturing scale-up and process transfer to ensure formulations can be reliably produced at pilot and production scale. The Formulation Development Chemist collaborates closely with Manufacturing and Engineering to bridge formulation intent with practical, scalable processing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following)

Formulation Development 

Research, develop, and optimize personal care formulations from early concept through commercialization. 
Perform bench-scale formulation work to support new product development, reformulations, and line extensions. 
Design and execute formulation studies related to performance, aesthetics, and physical stability. 
Maintain clear and accurate formulation records, procedures, and experimental results. 
Create and maintain formulation documentation, including specifications, ingredient declarations, and batch instructions. 
Maintain strong technical knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation strategies, and emerging technologies. 
Source and evaluate raw materials in support of formulation development and innovation. 
Manufacturing Scale-Up & Process Support 

Support the transfer of formulations from laboratory to pilot and full-scale manufacturing. 
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production teams during scale-up activities. 
Assist in defining processing parameters, order of addition, temperature control, and mixing conditions. 
Provide formulation support during initial production runs and scale-up trials. 
Support troubleshooting of formulation- or process-related issues encountered during manufacturing. 
Recommend formulation or process adjustments to improve manufacturability, consistency, and efficiency. 
Collaboration & Technical Communication 

Provide formulation expertise to cross-functional teams to support product development decisions. 
Support technical discussions related to product performance and formulation design. 
Assist with evaluation and qualification of alternate raw materials when needed to support manufacturing continuity. 
Laboratory Operations 

Support routine laboratory activities related to formulation development. 
Maintain safe laboratory practices and organized workspaces. 
Provide technical guidance to junior R&D staff as appropriate. 
Display and promote company values (ASPIRE: Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve)
Firm understanding and compliance with company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Practices.
Develops protocols, methods, and SOPs as needed.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong foundation in cosmetic and personal care formulation chemistry. 
Hands-on experience with bench-scale formulation development. 
Working knowledge of manufacturing scale-up, pilot batching, and technology transfer. 
Understanding of formulation-process interactions, including mixing, heating/cooling, and material handling. 
Strong problem-solving skills related to formulation robustness and manufacturability. 
Ability to work collaboratively across R&D and Manufacturing teams. 
Clear technical communication and documentation skills. 
High ethical standards
Ability to work in fast paced, rapidly changing, and regulated environment
Excellent planning and organizational skills
Analytical skills to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
Mathematical aptitude
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Products and ability to learn new systems quickly
Strong understanding of weights and measures
Regular attendance

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sit an average of 2-3 hours per day
Stand an average of 2-3 hours per day
Walk an average of 2-3 hours per day
Required Movements:Bend/Stoop – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
Reach above shoulder level – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
Squat – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
Weight Carried:Up to 10 lbs – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
11-30 lbs – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
Weight Lifted:Up to 10 lbs – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
11-30 lbs – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
Hands Used for Repetitive Action:Simple/light grasping (both hands) – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
Firm/strong grasping (both hands) – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
Fine dexterity (both hands) – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
Job requires being around moving machinery and equipment
Job requires wearing personal protective equipment as necessary
Personal Protective Equipment Required:Safety glasses when in required areas
Slip resistant shoes
Additional PPE is driven by some “active” ingredients (i.e. phenol)
Potential Chemical Exposures:Potential exposure to chemicals is driven by the raw materials selected in formulations:Refer to current SDS

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline required. 
Minimum 3 years of formulation experience in personal care and/or cosmetics is preferred.  
Experience supporting scale-up, pilot plant, or manufacturing trials preferred. 
Knowledge of GMP’s, OSHA rules and regulations required.
Knowledge of research and development methods, techniques, equipment and understanding of laboratory hazards required.