Description
Associate Formulation Scientist or Cosmetic Chemist — Job Description
Location: 100% Onsite (NYC)
Hours: Full-time (~35 hours/week) or Part-time
Start Date: Feb 2026
We are seeking a hands-on Formulation or Cosmetic Chemist to lead bench-top formulation and product development for topical products. This role spans early prototype development through scale-up and manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on stability, delivery of active ingredients, and scientific rigor. You will work closely with company leadership and senior scientists to translate scientific insight into robust, manufacturable formulations.
1. Formulation & Product Development
Executes all hands-on bench-top formulation for new products, from initial prototypes to final revisions.
Iterates on formulas based on feedback from leadership
Reformulates or reverse-engineers existing products for ingredient delivery enhancement, cost-savings, supply chain stability, or to meet new regulatory standards
2. Raw Material Sourcing, Supplier Management, and Lab Management
Identifies, sources, and tests novel raw materials and active ingredients to drive product innovation.
Manages relationships with raw material suppliers to obtain samples, pricing, and technical documentation
Maintains stocks and records of raw materials, excipients, etc as needed for formulation
3. Stability, Safety & Performance Testing
Designs and executes all product stability testing (e.g., accelerated stability at various temperatures, cycle testing, light exposure) to ensure product robustness and determine shelf-life.
Manages and coordinates all required third-party testing, including safety (RIPT, microbial) and claims substantiation
Designs and executes all hands-on bench-top formulation for new products, with a focus on stability and delivery of active ingredients
Iterates on formulas to optimize for performance, sensory feel, and stability
Independently designs and conducts *in vitro* permeation testing (IVPT), often using Franz diffusion cells, to quantify the delivery of active ingredients through skin models in designed formulations
Coordinates and collaborates with the senior science team to design and run analytical methods (e.g., UV spec, HPLC, LCMS, etc) to analyze samples from permeation studies.
Analyzes and interprets IVPT data to guide formulation optimization and substantiate product claims
4. Manufacturing & Scale-Up Support
Develops and finalizes the manufacturing procedures (SOPs) for each formula.
Acts as the primary technical liaison to the third-party contract manufacturer (CMO) to ensure successful technology transfer and scale-up of the formula from the lab bench (1kg) to the production vat (1000kg+).
5. Documentation & Regulatory Compliance
Meticulously documents all formulas, experiments, and results in a lab notebook and digital system.
Ensures all formulas and ingredients comply with appropriate regulators (e.g., FDA, EU, Health Canada) and client needs
To apply: https://forms.gle/cnH88ezKZP8bG2RcA
Requirements
Education: A minimum of B.S. or M.S. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Cosmetic Science. Alternatively, M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Dermal Science are acceptable
Experience: A minimum of 2 years of direct, hands-on formulation experience in a lab
Technical Expertise: A proven track record of formulating emulsions (e.g. creams/lotions), gels, and other topical preparations
Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of the cosmetic raw material landscape and strong relationships with key suppliers.
Scale-Up Experience: Must have experience with the tech transfer process and successfully launching products with a contract manufacturer.
Regulatory Awareness: Working knowledge of FDA and global cosmetic regulations.
