R&D Formulation Specialist

Excelsior Nutrition Inc•Anaheim, CA

4d•$20 - $22

About The Position

The R&D Formulation Specialist supports product development for a contract manufacturer of nutraceuticals and dietary supplements. The role includes formulation and FPS process support, bill of materials database maintenance, record retention SOPs, and the new product process. The specialist works from customer concepts and requests through formulation, testing, product development, samples, and post-launch analysis while coordinating with suppliers, vendors, customers, management, creative services, and Quality Compliance. The position also supports overseas vendor coordination, product and packaging sample accuracy and approvals, pricing negotiations, item master maintenance, and deadlines for samples and related collateral.

Requirements

M.S. or B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or another physical science.
2–3 years of experience formulating new and innovative personal care products; contract manufacturing experience is preferred.
Ability to multitask while handling 4–5 bench projects at a time.
Ability to thrive in a team environment.
Working knowledge of claim substantiation.
Current knowledge of ingredient technology and familiarity with working within customer and international requirements.
Extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, test instrumentation, and experimental design.
Advanced writing, reading, and mathematics skills, including statistical analysis.
Ability to interpret, analyze, reason, and plan.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a contract manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

Interpret customers’ explanations, descriptions, and requests and translate them into chemical components and formula combinations.
Meet with suppliers and technical experts to collect product information, learn about new developments, and formulate suitable applications.
Assemble chemicals and materials into laboratory batches and test formulas for efficacy and performance.
Modify, substitute, and reformulate materials to meet customer expectations and quality requirements while maintaining low formulation costs.
Evaluate alternate chemical suppliers.
Enter and review formulas in the computer system.
Troubleshoot formula issues related to manufacturing and compounding.
Revise priorities to manage deadlines according to production demands, customer needs, and company interests.
Maintain professional expertise through individual study, continuing education, and professional development.
Communicate progress, problems, and needs to management, vendors, and customers as appropriate.
Assist in managing product development from the concept phase through post-launch analysis.
Participate in new product concept brainstorming meetings.
Serve as the primary liaison with overseas vendors for product development, including artwork, product specifications, sculpting, and sample approval.
Negotiate pricing with overseas vendors.
Set up item numbers and other development information in the item master, and update and maintain it.
Ensure product and packaging samples are accurate and obtain approvals.
Meet deadlines for obtaining samples for tradeshows and licensors.
Initiate collateral requests with the Creative Department and/or outside service vendors.
Work with the Quality Compliance department on compliance issues.