Job title: Senior Scientist - Formulation and Commercialization
Location: Chicagoland (onsite)
Reports to: Sr. Director of R&D
Overview
Dropps is a subscription-based direct-to-consumer business reinventing cleaning for good. We eliminate everything you don't need and shouldn't pay for, delivering high-performance, sustainable cleaning products that make life simpler. The brand will be entering brick and mortar channels with strategic retail partners in the near future.
Role Summary:
Dropps is seeking an innovative and motivated Senior Scientist - Formulation and Commercialization to lead formulation and commercialization activities of new home care products. They will play a crucial role in driving innovation via collaboration with cross-functional team members within R&D, QA, Supply Chain and Marketing. This is a full time, exempt position that requires a dynamic individual with a deep understanding of consumer products, a strategic mindset and excellent time management skills.
Responsibilities:
The Senior Scientist - Formulation and Commercialization will:

• Conduct iterative formulation studies in the lab to develop new (or to improve existing) products & processes:
• Lab batching of powder and liquid consumer products
• Physical and aesthetic assessments of product characteristics via measurement to determine product acceptance, stability and shelf life.
• Laboratory notebook data and record keeping, both in a physical notebook and via computer spreadsheet
• Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards
• Conduct formula evaluation via collaboration with R&D Methods & Claims Scientist
• Communicate and present program updates within a cross-functional internal and external project team environment.
• Run Proof of Principle assessments to assist the Innovation team (Marketing & R&D) in early stage project creation and refinement
• Work with 3rd party certification companies on new and existing product certifications
• Conduct tech transfer to third party manufacturing facilities for scale-up and production, including identifying and generating appropriate product design specifications. Must be willing to travel to third party manufacturing sites.
• Build and manage relationships with raw material vendors, contract manufacturers and external technical consultants.
• Request and maintain all raw material and finished product documentation needed
• Evaluate competitive products formula design and performance.
• Maintain laboratory equipment to acceptable standards and calibration

Requirements:

• B.S. degree in Chemistry or relevant scientific subject
• 3 years of experience at a Consumer Packaged Goods company
• Work experience centered in either QA, formulation or product development
• Commitment to Dropps sustainability mission and ability to uphold Company values
• Demonstrated commitment to prioritizing diversity and inclusion, as well as sustainability in decision making
• Self-starter with proven ability to effectively lead all technical aspects of projects from concept to launch, execute tasks within defined program timelines, and work independently with limited oversight
• Strong verbal communication and documentation skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office & Google Workspace
• Ability to work under pressure with flexibility
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to think independently and make decisions

Physical Requirements, with or without accommodations:

• Prolonged periods standing while working in a laboratory environment
• Prolonged periods at a desk working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
• Ability to visually interpret information such as product and packaging design.
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
• Ability to move throughout the warehouse and laboratory (No stairs required)
• Ability to handle chemicals and product samples, including fragrances.
• Ability to be present in and participate in virtual meetings
• Ability to spend 3-4 days per week in Chicagoland lab/office with cross-functional team required

Salary Range: $90,000-$95,000
Benefits

• Medical and Vision Insurance
• 401K Plan with ESG funds option
• Unlimited vacation days
• Paid sick time off
• Remote workspace and internet stipend
• Life and short term disability insurance
• Voluntary dental and supplemental life insurance
• Discount on Dropps products

Dropps is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to provide employment, training, and room for growth to all, regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thrive when our ideas are reinforced and challenged by new viewpoints, and recognize diversity at Dropps is essential to developing the best products on the market and the happiest workplace in the world!