What are the responsibilities and job description for the Perfumer + Chemist position at Sublym Fragrances?
About SUBLYM
SUBLYM is a modern fragrance house focused on high-concentration extrait oils, extended maceration, and emotionally resonant scent design. We prioritize depth, skin experience, and refined material composition over mass-market projection.
Role Overview
We are seeking a Perfumer Chemist to support the reformulation and refinement of existing prototype perfume oils in preparation for our upcoming summer launch.
This role is both creative and technical—ideal for someone who understands the balance between artistic perfumery and regulatory formulation. You will be working hands-on with fragrance compositions, improving structure, stability, and overall olfactory performance in line with SUBLYM’s extrait-focused positioning.
You will collaborate closely with Founder/CEO/Creative Director on scent direction, refinement, and final composition decisions.
Please note: This role is based in Irvine, California, and candidates should be local or able to work in-person.
Key Responsibilities
- Reformulate and refine existing fragrance prototypes into production-ready compositions
- Optimize formulas for high oil concentration (extrait-level, ~40%) performance
- Ensure all formulations are compliant with IFRA guidelines and safety standards
- Adjust compositions for improved longevity, smoothness, and skin diffusion
- Balance natural and synthetic materials to achieve a modern, clean-luxury profile
- Evaluate and improve fragrance evolution (top, heart, base transitions)
- Support stability considerations including solubility, discoloration, and maceration behavior
- Collaborate closely on scent direction aligned with SUBLYM’s brand identity
Preferred Experience & Qualifications
- Background in perfumery, cosmetic chemistry, or fragrance formulation
- Experience working with both aroma chemicals and natural materials
- Strong understanding of modern fragrance structures (floral, amber, woody, gourmand)
- Familiarity with clean fragrance positioning
- Knowledge of IFRA standards and allergen considerations
- Ability to work iteratively and refine formulas based on feedback
Nice to Have
- Access to a personal perfume lab or formulation kit
- Experience working with extrait or high oil concentration fragrances
- Familiarity with maceration processes
- Strong scent evaluation and adjustment instincts
Working Style
- Project-based with collaboration
- In-person collaboration in Irvine, CA
- Iterative development process with active feedback
Additional Notes
We are looking for someone who can bring both technical precision and creative sensitivity to fragrance development. This role is ideal for a formulator who enjoys refining and elevating compositions into something more intentional, and emotionally compelling.
Depending on business objectives and performance, this role may have the opportunity to convert into a full-time position.
Details around specific formulations, materials, and creative direction will be discussed during the interview process.
To Apply:
Please share your background, relevant experience, and any examples of formulations or fragrance work.