Senior Chemist, R&D

Bright Innovation Labs•Coolidge, AZ

115d

About The Position

The Senior Chemist, R&D creates innovative cosmetic formulas based on benchmark products, concepts, and customer briefs; improves existing formulas and processes; and adapts customer-provided formulas to the company's format and capabilities. The role assists the R&D Manager and QC Manager with quality standards, safety and quality programs, and maintaining a cohesive, positive laboratory environment. It also helps supervise the daily work of R&D chemists to support efficiency and productivity. The position researches and develops cosmetic products, reverse-engineers marketed products, supports other formulations, and collaborates across departments to help ensure the production of high-quality finished goods. It works with the R&D Manager on process engineering, scale-up, and production-driven formula improvements, and with the R&D and QC Managers on adjustments to production batches. Additional work includes ingredient selection, analytical procedure development and validation, stability testing, reagent preparation, equipment calibration, and review of manufacturing and quality documentation. The role promotes compliance with company policies, procedures, quality standards, current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP), and safety and environmental regulations. It is a full-time, Monday-through-Friday position, with eight-hour days depending on assigned shift. Overtime is voluntary, subject to business needs and prior approval. Little to no travel is expected.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related science.
At least 5 years of experience formulating cosmetic skincare and haircare products.
Extensive knowledge of cosmetic regulations.
Experience and knowledge of cosmetic skincare and haircare formulations.
Experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects, and Outlook.
Ability to multitask and reprioritize tasks on short notice.
Ability to help supervise chemists so they work safely, efficiently, and productively.
Flexibility to work assigned shifts and occasionally extend working hours to help resolve production or other issues.
Knowledge of basic math.
English-language knowledge, including vocabulary, spelling, composition, and grammar.
Authorization to work in the United States as a precondition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's or master's degree in cosmetic science.
Years of experience in Cosmetic Research & Innovation.

Responsibilities

Research and develop innovative cosmetic products based on industry trends, benchmark products, customer briefs, and other product concepts.
Reverse-engineer currently marketed products.
Provide technical support for other R&D formulations.
Coordinate R&D communication with QC Laboratory, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, Production, and other departments as needed.
Work with the R&D Manager on process engineering and formula scale-up.
Work with the R&D Manager to enhance or modify formulas, processes, and procedures to meet production needs.
Ensure the integrity and quality of customer formulations.
Stay informed about new technologies and ingredients by meeting with vendors and attending seminars.
Assist in selecting raw materials for innovative products and identifying alternate materials for existing products.
Experiment with in-process production bulk or finished product at lab scale and recommend science-based approaches to production-batch reprocessing issues.
Work with the R&D Manager and QC Manager to issue recommended production-batch adjustments as needed.
Prepare and standardize required reagents.
Ensure R&D equipment and instruments are calibrated, logged, and in good working order.
Develop and validate new analytical testing procedures.
Review and sign off on Master Batch Records, Manufacturing Instructions, Specifications, and Checklists.
Ensure appropriate stability testing is performed on formulas as required.
Promote compliance with company policies, procedures, quality standards, cGMP, and safety and environmental regulations; participate in required safety, GMP, and other company training.
Assist the R&D Manager in supervising R&D chemists, including training and directing daily workflow.
Work occasional overtime when business needs warrant, with overtime pre-approved by the R&D Manager.