Agricultural Principal Formulation Chemist – Davis, CA Area

Wilbur-Ellis•Woodland, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Principal Formulation Chemist will lead research and discovery activities across Wilbur-Ellis’ full portfolio of branded plant nutrition products, active ingredients, and adjuvants. This role is responsible for developing new technologies, exploring novel formulation strategies, and advancing early-stage concepts into robust prototypes. Working in a dedicated R&D environment, the chemist will drive innovation through experimental design, mechanistic studies, stability and compatibility analysis, and hands-on formulation science. This position partners closely with product management, sales enablement, marketing, regulatory, EHSS, and operations to translate scientific insights into differentiated, commercially viable solutions. This is a unique scientific role for someone who thrives on discovery, creativity, and pushing technical boundaries in plant science and agricultural chemistry.

Requirements

A bachelors degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related field.
2+ years expertise in agricultural chemistry, ideally spanning fertilizer and plant nutrition, biologicals, active ingredients, and adjuvant technologies.
Experience with biotechnology, plant metabolites, biochemical modes of action, and signaling compounds.
Strong understanding of physical chemistry, colloidal systems, surfactants, solvents, emulsions, chelation, and controlled-delivery systems.
Proven ability to design experiments and troubleshoot issues related to stability, compatibility, and performance.
Familiarity with active ingredient behavior, adjuvant interactions, and nutrient uptake mechanisms.
Experience in R&D or applied research environments; pilot-scale formulation experience a plus.
Scientifically curious, inventive, and passionate about discovery.
Analytical thinker with strong attention to detail and experimental discipline.
Communicate effectively and collaborate well across technical and non-technical teams.
Self-starter who can lead projects independently and manage multiple priorities.
Committed to maintaining the highest standards of laboratory safety and scientific integrity.

Nice To Haves

pilot-scale formulation experience a plus

Responsibilities

Lead exploratory research for plant nutritionals, actives, and adjuvants, identifying novel formulation approaches and emerging technologies.
Conduct mechanistic and physicochemical studies to understand ingredient functionality and interactions.
Perform compatibility, stability, and functionality testing to support early-stage concept development.
Design and optimize advanced formulations for branded plant nutrition products, EPA registered active ingredients, and adjuvants.
Develop lab-scale prototypes and conduct iterative testing to refine performance, shelf life, and field utility.
Evaluate new raw materials, delivery systems, surfactants, carriers, and stabilizing technologies.
Generate high-quality analytical data and interpret results into actionable recommendations.
Support competitive benchmarking by evaluating third-party technologies and industry trends.
Work with marketing, field sales, portfolio management, regulatory, and EHSS to advance concepts toward commercialization.
Provide scientific insight during early feasibility, labeling considerations, and regulatory strategy discussions.
Develop technical training materials for internal teams and support field education when needed.
Assist daily lab operations, ensuring accurate data collection, equipment readiness, and safe working practices.
Assist and lead sample management, including sample preparation and shipping and receiving of research samples.
Foster a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, and hands-on experimentation within the innovation lab.