Formulation Chemist/Process Technician

Description

SUMMARY

This position is responsible for researching, developing, and maintaining new and existing formulas while working closely with internal and external customers, ensuring that formulas meet expected performance, safety, and regulatory requirements so they can be produced in large batches for manufacturing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (include but are not limited to the following)

• Maintain clear and accurate records of formulations, procedures, observations, results
• Works with engineering/production/batching to ensure smooth formula transition from lab to pilot to plant scale
• Responsible for NPD batch instructions
• Adhere to project timelines and product development schedule
• Create and maintain formula and raw materials related documentation
• Help conduct stability testing, inclusive of keeping accurate records as needed
• Provide technical support on product communication and claims to other parts of the business (Sales, etc.)
• Maintain working knowledge of raw material innovations and emerging research in the cosmetic science field by proactively researching new concepts, materials, and processes
• Source and validate new raw materials according to internal and external standards
• Assists Supply chain as appropriate with identification, evaluation, and qualification of alternate raw materials/vendors
• Create product samples on as needed basis
• Create Ingredient Declaration as needed
• Maintain working knowledge of cosmetic regulations for cosmetics/active ingredient
• Enter approved formulations and specifications into Laboratory & Regulatory Software/ERP/ MRP systems.
• Assist with troubleshooting OOS formulations.
• Recommend process improvements and optimizations for increased efficiencies.
• Contribute to routine laboratory housekeeping and day-to-day operations of the laboratory.
• Provides technical guidance to junior R & D staff as needed.
• Display and promote company values (ASPIRE: Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve)
• Firm understanding and compliance with company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Practices.
• Develops protocols, methods, and SOPs as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with prevalent professional demeanor
• Ability to mentor, train, motivate, direct, and empower team
• High ethical standards
• Ability to work in fast paced, rapidly changing, and regulated environment
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Analytical skills to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
• Ability to work effectively across departmental teams
• Intermediate level of computer literacy
• Fundamental laboratory skills
• Mathematical aptitude
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite Products and ability to learn new systems quickly
• Strong understanding of weights and measures
• Regular attendance

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• BS/BA in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related biological science is required
• Minimum 3 years of formulation experience in personal care and/or cosmetics is preferred  
• Experience with a wide variety of measuring instruments and complicated product development required
• Knowledge of GMP’s, OSHA rules and regulations required
• Knowledge of research and development methods, techniques, equipment and understanding of laboratory hazards required
• Practical understanding of chemistry required
• Training and understanding of laboratory hazards required

​​​​​​​PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit an average of 2-3 hours per day
• Stand an average of 2-3 hours per day
• Walk an average of 2-3 hours per day
• Required Movements:
  • Bend/Stoop – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
  • Reach above shoulder level – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
  • Squat – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
• Weight Carried:
  • Up to 10 lbs – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • 11-30 lbs – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
• Weight Lifted:
  • Up to 10 lbs – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
  • 11-30 lbs – Rarely (1-2 times per day)
• Hands Used for Repetitive Action:
  • Simple/light grasping (both hands) – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
  • Firm/strong grasping (both hands) – Occasionally (1-4 times per hour)
  • Fine dexterity (both hands) – Frequently (5-24 times per hour)
• Job requires being around moving machinery and equipment
• Job requires wearing personal protective equipment as necessary
• Personal Protective Equipment Required:
  • Safety glasses when in required areas
  • Slip resistant shoes
  • Additional PPE is driven by some “active” ingredients (i.e. phenol)
• Potential Chemical Exposures:
  • Potential exposure to chemicals is driven by the raw materials selected in formulations:
    • Refer to current SDS