May 7, 2025 
Full-time Overview: The R&D Formulator has responsibilities for the design, development, testing and implementation of new topical skin care formulations from initial concept through production; troubleshooting/resolving, adjusting or reformulating existing formulas as needed. R&D activities support all areas of the organization as illustrated by the responsibilities below. The position heavily emphasizes laboratory work, but also includes significant interaction with Operations, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Sales & Marketing, and Business Development. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the entire product development cycle, and cGMP experience in an FDA regulated environment is preferred.
Major Duties & Responsibilities
• Develop new products and assays to meet Sales and/or customer requirement per assigned projects
• Conduct pre-formulation/formulation studies including solubility, excipient compatibility, accelerated stability, physical characterization, and proof of concept batches
• Actively prioritize multiple projects/workload, effectively anticipate/manage resource gaps, and deliver on agreed-to timelines
• Prepare protocols for stability testing
• Accurately record raw data and analyze, as well as calculate and interpret the results
• Determine product shelf life through stability testing and data analysis
• Ensure stability and efficacy according to project requirements
• Participate in the writing of protocols, development reports, and manufacturing batch records for development batches
• Create and approve design specifications for new products
• Troubleshoot product/process issues and participate in investigations related to product quality issues
• Aid manufacturing in the production of new products (scale up)
• Create Master Batch records
• Ensure documentation created is in compliance with cGMP standards
• Compile and maintain a formulation library of reoccurring products
• Enhance existing product formulations as directed
• Prepare samples for customer evaluation or for use by Sales & Marketing, QC/QA
• Establish relationships with material suppliers and vendors
• Research new products and chemicals for new business opportunities
• Conduct ongoing competitor product and technology assessments for assigned categories to ensure understanding of the latest developments in relevant product categories
• Read and understand SDSs for all raw materials that are used, and create SDSs for new products
• Other responsibilities as assigned
Professional Skills & Behaviors
• Communicates effectively in verbal and written form on research plans and results
• Strategic thinker with ability to determine critical requirements to ensure product formulation success
• Demonstrates initiative in handling responsibilities
• Attends project meetings and prepare project updates
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and plan own schedule to deliver on priorities
• Collaborative outlook with ability to communicate cross-functionally with both technical and non-technical partners
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work in fast-paced environment
• Humility, team-first attitude, and ability to get stuff done
Qualifications
• Requires a minimum of a 4-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology
• A minimum of 3-5 years work experience in a research environment in a regulated industry such as cosmetic, dietary supplement or drug manufacturing
• Familiarity with OTC and/or cosmetic regulations is a plus
• Topical product formulation experience is strongly preferred, but not required
• Good understanding of experimental design with exceptional attention to detail and record keeping
• Knowledge of various analytical equipment and techniques utilized in an analytical laboratory
• Ability to establish priorities, work independently, productively and proceed with objectives without direct supervision
• Familiarity with basic FDA cGMP requirements is strongly preferred
• Basic knowledge and skills sufficient to manipulate and use Microsoft and other software including word processing, spreadsheets, email, internet and MRP systems
• Ability to work in a dynamic fast paced, sometimes rapidly shifting environment and quickly establish priorities
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds
Reporting Relationship
Position reports to Director of Innovation & Business Development and has key interface relationship with the Senior Director of Quality & Technical Services.