Cosmetic Scientist

Job Title: Cosmetic Scientist

Job Description

The Formulation Chemist is responsible for the hands-on development, optimization, and commercialization of personal care formulations. This role focuses on formulation research and product development, while also supporting manufacturing scale-up and process transfer to ensure reliable production at pilot and production scale. The Formulation Development Chemist collaborates closely with Manufacturing and Engineering to bridge formulation intent with practical, scalable processing.

Responsibilities

• Research, develop, and optimize personal care formulations from early concept through commercialization.
• Perform bench-scale formulation work to support new product development, reformulations, and line extensions.
• Design and execute formulation studies related to performance, aesthetics, and physical stability.
• Maintain clear and accurate formulation records, procedures, and experimental results.
• Create and maintain formulation documentation, including specifications, ingredient declarations, and batch instructions.
• Maintain strong technical knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation strategies, and emerging technologies.
• Source and evaluate raw materials in support of formulation development and innovation.
• Support the transfer of formulations from laboratory to pilot and full-scale manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production teams during scale-up activities.
• Assist in defining processing parameters, order of addition, temperature control, and mixing conditions.
• Provide formulation support during initial production runs and scale-up trials.
• Troubleshoot formulation- or process-related issues encountered during manufacturing.
• Recommend formulation or process adjustments to improve manufacturability, consistency, and efficiency.
• Provide formulation expertise to cross-functional teams to support product development decisions.
• Participate in technical discussions related to product performance and formulation design.
• Assist with evaluation and qualification of alternate raw materials to support manufacturing continuity.
• Conduct routine laboratory activities related to formulation development.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices and organized workspaces.
• Provide technical guidance to junior R&D staff as appropriate.
• Display and promote company values of Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve.
• Ensure compliance with company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Practices.
• Develop protocols, methods, and SOPs as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Strong background in cosmetic and personal care formulation chemistry.
• Experience in personal care science or cosmetic science.
• Direct experience with bench-scale formulation development.
• Understanding of scale-up, pilot batching, and tech transfer to manufacturing.
• Insight into formulation-process relationships such as mixing, heating/cooling, and materials handling.
• Effective problem solver with a focus on manufacturable, robust formulations.
• Collaborative team player across R&D and Manufacturing functions.
• Experience with regulatory affairs and FDA regulations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Cosmetic Science.
• Minimum of 3 years of formulation experience in personal care or cosmetic science.

Work Environment

Flexible 8-hour shifts between 7am-5pm, with some potential for required overtime or weekend work to meet production demands. Work as part of a team of five people and communicate effectively with other departments. The company offers a values-led manufacturing environment promoting integrity, quality, and resilience. Employees have opportunities for industry certifications, ongoing training in manufacturing excellence, leadership development, and company-sponsored coaching, all contributing to a stable and growth-oriented workplace.

This is a Permanent position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

The pay range for this position is $50000.00 - $75000.00/yr.

PTO Health insurance Paid Holidays 401k

This is a fully onsite position in Cedar Rapids,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $50,000 - $75,000