JOB SUMMARY

The R&D Chemist l is an entry level professional and is responsible for supporting assigned projects which involve the research, development and testing of new OTC Drug or Cosmetic products, technologies, packaging, and product improvements. In this role, he/she will work under the supervision of the R&D Section Manager, Supervisor or Senior Employees and will incorporate the technical, regulatory, competitive, cost, operational and project timing considerations to support a successful product organization. He/she will have some applicable laboratory experience or equivalent knowledge. Other R&D related or laboratory projects will also be assigned. The R&D Chemist l is accountable for matters such as maintaining quality, accuracy, and quantity of work. He/she should demonstrate the ability for effective communication within areas of responsibility. Is responsible for technical updates, technical reports, memos, regulatory documents, operating procedures, protocols, experimental design, data analysis and other communication as needed. This person has experience in electronic forms of data analysis techniques and communication. He /she will have the capacity to adhere to Good Laboratory practices, cGMP, safety regulations, confidential procedures and will contribute to the routine functioning of the R&D laboratory. The R&D Chemist l, under the supervision of the R&D Section Manager, Supervisor or Senior Employees can collaborate with internal or external partners involved with clinical testing, claims substantiation, formulation development, raw materials, manufacturing, or contract manufacturing.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1.Basic understanding of formulation laboratory equipment (e.g., mixers, hotplates, balances, pH meters, viscometers, filling equipment, lipstick molds etc.)

2.Ability to reproduce formulations following procedures or from literature for lip balms, ointments, suspensions, solutions, lotions, and creams using laboratory equipment.

3.Basic understanding of raw materials, chemical properties and ingredient compatibility used for formulation development.

4.Maintains accurate documentation of formulation, procedures, results, data, and conclusions.

5.General knowledge of a variety of consumer product categories.

6.Ability to learn and apply physical, chemical, regulatory, microbiological and measurement concepts for the assessment of cosmetic and drug product stability.

7.Performs physical testing as part of formulation development (e.g., melting point, drop point, viscosity, penetration, specific gravity, pH, packaging evaluation etc.)

8.Performs sensory evaluation as part of formulation development (e.g., color matching, odor evaluation, taste assessment etc.)

9.Ability to analyze technical data or qualitative feedback and write a summary.

10.Ability to learn and apply physical/chemical/engineering concepts to the process scale-up of formulations.

11.Ability to understand the process of transferring technical information required for manufacture of cosmetic and OTC drug products.

12.Ability to learn OTC Drug monographs and cosmetic regulations while working in a regulated laboratory (cGMP and GLP).

13.Ability to learn and apply physical, chemical, biological, and regulatory concepts to support consumer or OTC drug product claims.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Performs special projects, as assigned by the Manager or Supervisor, R&D, which enhance and contribute to the growth of the Research & Development Department.

2.Performs and assumes other duties and responsibilities, as may be required by the Manager or Supervisor, R&D.

3.Supports the Winner’s Circle and Blistex Quality System processes.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

1.Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, or related scientific discipline

2.Experience, 0-1 years of applicable laboratory expertise preferably in the cosmetics or pharmaceutical OTC industry

3.Good mathematical ability and analytical skills. Can accurately calculate percentages, formula costs, and basic statistics. Ability to perform spreadsheet mathematical and graphical analysis.

4.Proficiency with computers and in Microsoft programs including Outlook, Word and Excel

5.Capable at learning new software such as ELN and Regulatory Documentation programs

6.Able to follow appropriate lab safety practices.

7.Capable of effective communication skills for interactions with laboratory colleagues, project managers, and colleagues from numerous functional areas.

8.Under the direction of the manager/supervisor able to determine the planning and organization of workload.

9.Ability to follow the work plan in a timely manner.

10.Affinity for problem solving, identifying opportunities, and challenges.

11.Support changes that can help achieve both self and near-term objectives as well as longer-term aspirations.

12.Treats people with respect; works with integrity.

13.Able to build relationships within R&D and helps the R&D team achieve goals.

14.Readily assumes responsibility for own actions.

15.Ability to work independently.

16.Must possess good organizational ability.

17.Must be flexible to work a modified work shift, as departmental needs demand.

18.Willingness to accept other duties, as assigned.

19.Must be discreet with confidential information to which he/she has access.

20.Travel, up to 5%, depending upon business need. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & ENVIRONMENT

1.This position requires the individual to stand, talk or listen 66 to 100% of the time. This position requires the individual to walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, stoop, kneel, bend or crawl, reach with hands and arms overhead, and taste or smell 33 to 66% of the time. This position requires the individual to sit, climb or balance up to 33% of the time

2.This position will require the individual to lift up to 25 pounds 33 to 66% of the time.

3.The vision requirements for this position includes close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less), distance vision (clear vision of 20 feet or more), color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors), peripheral vision (ability to see up, down, left or right while eyes are fixed on a given point), depth perception (3-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships), and ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

4.This position has exposure to wet, humid conditions (non-weather) and toxic or caustic chemicals up to 33% of the time. This position has exposure to work near moving mechanical parts to vibration 33 to 66% of the time.

5.The noise level for this position will be moderate noise (Ex: Business office with typewriters and/or computer printers, light foot traffic).

6.The Personal Protective Equipment requirements that are used in this position is a hair net, beard net, safety glasses, cut resistant gloves, lab coat, and fume hood.