Associate Chemist

Dermalogica•Carson, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Based in the Los Angeles/Carson corporate headquarters, Dermalogica is seeking an Associate Chemist to support R&D formulation development. This hands-on laboratory role supports Formulating Chemists and Senior Chemists by preparing bench batches, executing experiments with scientific discipline, documenting results, and supporting samples for development, stability, compatibility, and cross-functional needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (BS) in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Biology, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific field.
0 to 3 years of relevant laboratory or formulation experience; internship, co-op, academic lab, cosmetic/personal care, pharmaceutical, food, or related product development experience will be considered.
Comfortable spending adequate time in a laboratory environment performing practical bench work with accuracy, patience, and scientific discipline, including standing, handling lab-scale containers, and using standard laboratory equipment with or without reasonable accommodation.
Strong attention to detail, accurate documentation habits, and ability to follow written procedures and verbal instructions.
Basic understanding of laboratory safety, PPE, chemical handling, GLP/GMP principles, and good documentation practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate in a team-oriented, fast-paced R&D environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office is a must.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with formulation systems, project management tools, or laboratory data systems is a plus.
Prior experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, food, or related formulation laboratory work is preferred.
Exposure to emulsions, surfactant systems, gels, serums, sunscreen/SPF systems, stability testing, or package compatibility testing.
Experience using pH meters, viscometers, balances, overhead mixers, homogenizers, hot plates, or similar lab equipment.
Basic ability to organize data, summarize observations, and communicate experimental results clearly.

Responsibilities

Prepare lab-scale batches under direction, including weighing raw materials, mixing, heating/cooling, pH adjustment, homogenization, filling, and sample labeling.
Support prototypes, formula iterations, marketing submissions, benchmark comparisons, panel samples, stability/compatibility fills, clinical/education samples, and other R&D sample requests.
Maintain accurate lab notes, batch records, sample labels, retains, and sample inventory with strong attention to detail.
Execute designed experiments, raw material screens, reformulation support batches, and prototype adjustments according to direction from the project owner.
Record key observations and data such as appearance, odor, color, texture, pH, viscosity, weight, temperature, mixing speed, processing time, and equipment used.
Compare samples against controls, benchmarks, and prior versions; communicate observations clearly and escalate unusual results or processing concerns promptly.
Assist with support batches and documentation for stability, package compatibility, preservative efficacy testing, safety/clinical testing, formula quotes, and regulatory review packages.
Work comfortably in the lab and perform the practical hands-on aspects of bench formulation, including standing at the bench, handling lab-scale containers, operating routine equipment with training, and cleaning/organizing work areas.
Follow laboratory safety procedures, PPE requirements, chemical hygiene practices, SOPs, and GLP/GMP-aware documentation expectations when handling cosmetic raw materials, fragrances, essential oils, and lab chemicals.
Use routine lab equipment such as balances, pH meters, viscometers, hot plates, overhead mixers, homogenizers, water baths, and filling tools with proper training and care.
Update project/sample tracking systems such as Coptis/Ithos, Wrike, or other R&D systems as needed, while protecting confidential formula, supplier, and project information.