Senior Research Chemist

Church & Dwight•Princeton, NJ

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Church & Dwight is seeking a Senior Research Chemist to independently lead research projects involving new formulations and improvements to existing products that meet customer needs and regulatory standards. The role requires a strong background in oral care and consumer goods chemistry, knowledge of good laboratory practices, experience translating consumer insights into innovation, and an understanding of taking products from concept to commercial launch. The Senior Research Chemist will work in upstream innovation, evaluating technologies and opportunities to advance the global innovation pipeline for personal care businesses including TheraBreath, HERO, and Batiste. The position calls for a creative, future-focused scientist who can develop transformational technologies and consumer experiences to support growth in key categories. This is a hybrid role based in Princeton, New Jersey. In-person attendance is required Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; remote work is available Mondays and Fridays.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited institution in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of laboratory experience.
Oral care formulation experience.
Experience with FDA OTC products.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks with minimal supervision.
Ability to develop, organize, and prioritize project tasks and work with a supervisor to manage assigned projects.
Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects without direct manager oversight.
Strong organizational, work-planning, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage a large workload and adapt to reprioritization in a rapidly changing environment.
Ability to work cross-functionally with teams such as marketing, processing, packaging, analytical, safety, clinical, and regulatory.
Good oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree with at least 3 years of laboratory experience, or a Ph.D. with at least 2 years of laboratory experience.
Skin care formulation experience, including across skin care and acne.

Responsibilities

Analyze consumer feedback and needs, identify gaps in existing products, prepare summary reports, and initiate follow-through tasks.
Propose technology development programs based on consumer research, identify technical solutions for unmet needs, demonstrate concept and technical feasibility, formulate development plans, and deliver on objectives and commitments.
Develop bench-top formulations for personal care products in oral care and/or skin care.
Design and execute experiments, collect and analyze data, report results, draw conclusions, and make data-based recommendations to management.
Conduct product research and development from concept through proof-of-principle milestones.
Transfer lead-candidate prototype technologies from the laboratory to pilot scale and provide technical support for design-for-manufacturing feasibility assessments.
Serve as an R&D Technical Project Lead, leading development across the R&D function and acting as the point person with cross-functional partners.
Follow established procedures and policies for laboratory work involving development of FDA-regulated OTC products.
Stay informed about market and competitor activity and consumer feedback on products.
Identify ways to improve customer satisfaction with new and existing products by understanding consumer needs and product gaps.
Create, update, and maintain electronic product specifications.
Assemble product Bundle Books, Design History Files, and related documentation to support new product launches and maintenance of existing products.
Complete other tasks as assigned.