Senior Research Chemist

Church & Dwight Co., Inc.•Princeton, NJ

8d•$92,500 - $131,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Church & Dwight is seeking a Senior Research Chemist for upstream innovation. The role independently leads research projects, including developing new formulations and improving existing products to meet customer needs and regulatory standards. The chemist assesses new technologies and innovation opportunities for the global personal care pipeline, including brands such as TheraBreath, HERO, and Batiste. The role focuses on developing transformational technologies and consumer experiences to drive growth in lead categories. The position requires a strong background in oral care and consumer goods chemistry, knowledge of good laboratory practices, experience translating consumer insights into executable innovation, and an understanding of taking products from idea through commercialization. It involves research and development from concept through proof of principle, formula development, experimentation and analysis, technology transfer from laboratory to pilot scale, and cross-functional technical project leadership. The position is hybrid, based in Princeton, New Jersey, with in-person attendance Tuesdays through Thursdays and remote work options Mondays and Fridays.

Requirements

Bachelor’s 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 over-the-counter products.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to organize and prioritize tasks and manage assigned projects with a supervisor.
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 areas including 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 Ph.D. with at least 2 years of laboratory experience.
Skin care formulation experience, including across skin care and acne.

Responsibilities

Analyze consumer feedback, identify consumer needs and gaps in existing products, prepare summary reports, and conduct follow-through tasks.
Propose technology development programs based on consumer research; identify technical solutions for unmet needs; demonstrate concept and technical feasibility; develop detailed plans; and follow through to meet objectives and commitments.
Develop personal care formulas at the benchtop in oral care and/or skin care; design and conduct experiments; collect and analyze data; report results; draw conclusions; and make data-based recommendations to management.
Conduct product research and development from concept to proof-of-principle milestones.
Transfer lead candidate prototype technologies from 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 for cross-functional partners.
Follow established procedures and policies for laboratory work involving development of FDA-regulated over-the-counter products.
Complete other tasks as assigned.
Monitor market and competitor activity and consumer product feedback; identify ways to increase customer satisfaction through 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 maintain existing products.