Senior Chemist, Research & Processing

Description

Position Summary:

The Senior Chemist of Research & Processing will play a key role in supporting formulation development, scale-up, and process optimization efforts within the R&D team. This individual will serve as a technical bridge between formulation, process engineering, and manufacturing, with a focus on ensuring successful tech transfers and driving innovation through targeted research initiatives. This position is critical for enabling seamless collaboration across formulation, compounding, and production operations. The chemist will also contribute to knowledge sharing within R&D and serve as a subject matter expert on key ingredient behavior, dispersion techniques, and processing methods.

Key Responsibilities:

• Technical Transfer & Scale-Up:
• Lead the technical transfer of formulas (both customer-owned and internal) from bench to production.
• Act as the primary point of contact between formulation chemists and the Process Engineering team.
• Provide on0site support for pilot batches and scale-up trials, identifying and resolving scalability challenges.
• Collaborate with compounding and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot processing issues (e.g., raw material incorporation, emulsification, stability, temperature, and mixing optimization).
• Formulation Support:
• Provide ongoing formulation troubleshooting in collaboration with formulation chemists and compounders.
• Deliver technical insights on ingredient behavior during mixing, heating, cooling, and scale-up.
• Assist with identification and implementation of alternate raw materials to enhance cost-effectiveness, performance, or sustainability.
• Research & Innovation:
• Conduct focused research in support of the department's innovation roadmap.
• Evaluate novel processing methods, dispersants, and emulsifiers to enhance formulation efficiency and performance.
• Support in-depth exploration of raw material grades and surface treatments (especially for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).
• Develop internal guidelines and best practices based on research outcomes for broader R&D adoption.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Serve as a technical liaison to QA, Regulatory, Marketing, and Operations teams.
• Partner with external raw material suppliers to stay current with emerging technologies and ingredient launches.
• Communicate key technical findings and developments in a clear, actionable format for internal stakeholders.
• Other projects and responsibilities assigned by the supervisor.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Working knowledge of laboratory equipment set-up and operation, common laboratory techniques and safe chemical handling.
• Advanced formulation skills and technical knowledge.
• Thorough understanding of FDA regulations and cGMP's.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• High level of initiative, innovation, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally & at all levels within the organization including senior leadership.
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and manage deadlines accordingly.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with clients and vendors.
• Displays sense of urgency and initiative with creativity and flexibility.
• Exceptional attention to detail and high level of accuracy & organization.
• Ability to work as part of a team and excel independently in fast-paced environment.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing policies and procedures.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office.

Required Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree (MS or Ph.D.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in cosmetic R&D, formulation, or process support.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Advanced degree preferred.
• Strong technical background in emulsion chemistry, pigment dispersion, and mineral actives.
• Demonstrated success in technical transfer and scale-up in a manufacturing or GMP setting.
• Skilled in hands-on problem solving and managing concurrent project timelines.
• Familiarity with global cosmetics and OTC regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with SPF formulations and mineral UV filters.
• Proficiency with lab-scale processing equipment and interpreting analytical data.