Formulation Chemist

About Debut

Debut is the unconventional innovation lab spearheading the next generation of big business. Only Debut has a scalable, integrated, climate-positive creation model powered by biotechnology that puts human wellbeing at the center of everything we do—setting the new standard for profitable business and a new pace for an ever-changing world.  Our hybrid biotechnology approaches unlock latent markets, providing access to sustainably produced, natural ingredients with health benefits that cannot be obtained through other methods. We are committed to traversing the entire process, from ingredient discovery to the scaling of these products, for consumer markets. If you are passionate, enjoy fast-paced innovation and collaborative teams, then Debut is for you.  

Formulation Chemist

Summary

As a member of the Innovation team, you will work as a Formulation Chemist to support the development of skincare and color cosmetic products. This position is for an individual who enjoys working at the bench in a fast-paced environment looking to develop innovative formulas with novel raw materials. The successful candidate will have experience in skincare and color cosmetics with a working knowledge of raw materials and processing techniques for each of these categories.

Essential Functions

• Designing and conducting experiments to develop new products or improve existing products
• Creating prototypes for further research, testing and application
• Assessing rheology, viscosity, stability, and compatibility of prototype formulas
• Maintaining awareness of relevant regulatory and safety requirements
• Supporting the scale-up of product to manufacturing scale
• Providing technical support to internal/ external teams
• Ability to work at the bench in a fast-paced environment

Education and Experience

• BA or BS in chemistry, chemical engineering, biochemistry, or related field
• At least 3 years of previous skincare formulation experience
• Knowledge of color cosmetics and ability to color match is a plus
• Experience working on product development briefs and communicating project milestones with customers
• Experience with technology transfer from bench scale to full production
• Understanding of testing requirements necessary for product launch

Essential Physical Characteristics

The physical characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job, on a case-by-case basis. 

• Continuous upward and downward flexion of the neck. 
• Frequent: sitting, repetitive use of hands to operate computers, printers and copiers. 
• Frequently uses hands to feel objects or control tools (e.g. pipetting).  Laboratory operations require dexterity and care to perform studies as required.
• Occasional: walking, standing, climbing stairs, bending and twisting of neck, bending and twisting of waist, squatting, simple grasping, reaching above and below shoulder level, and occasional lifting and carrying of files or material weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing to work with biohazardous agents (up to BSL2) and chemicals.
• The R&D laboratory will result in exposure to hot and cold temperatures, noise, fumes, limited dust, and oily coolants.
• The performance of this position will present exposure to an industrial environment and requires support and compliance with the published Company PPE policy including but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses with side shields, appropriate attire, safety shoes, hard hat, hearing protection, etc.

Condition of Employment

As part of Debut’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check prior to beginning employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position.

Debut is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

Salary: $90,000 - $120,000