<p>Overview: The R&D Formulator has responsibilities for the design, development, testing and implementation of new topical skin care formulations from initial concept through production; troubleshooting/resolving, adjusting or reformulating existing formulas as needed. R&D activities support all areas of the organization as illustrated by the responsibilities below. The position heavily emphasizes laboratory work, but also includes significant interaction with Operations, Quality Assurance, Purchasing, Sales & Marketing, and Business Development. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of the entire product development cycle, and cGMP experience in an FDA regulated environment is preferred.</p> <p>Major Duties & Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Develop new products and assays to meet Sales and/or customer requirement per assigned projects </li><li>Conduct pre-formulation/formulation studies including solubility, excipient compatibility, accelerated stability, physical characterization, and proof of concept batches </li><li>Actively prioritize multiple projects/workload, effectively anticipate/manage resource gaps, and deliver on agreed-to timelines </li><li>Prepare protocols for stability testing </li><li>Accurately record raw data and analyze, as well as calculate and interpret the results </li><li>Determine product shelf life through stability testing and data analysis </li><li>Ensure stability and efficacy according to project requirements </li><li>Participate in the writing of protocols, development reports, and manufacturing batch records for development batches </li><li>Create and approve design specifications for new products </li><li>Troubleshoot product/process issues and participate in investigations related to product quality issues </li><li>Aid manufacturing in the production of new products (scale up) </li><li>Create Master Batch records </li><li>Ensure documentation created is in compliance with cGMP standards </li><li>Compile and maintain a formulation library of reoccurring products </li><li>Enhance existing product formulations as directed </li><li>Prepare samples for customer evaluation or for use by Sales & Marketing, QC/QA </li><li>Establish relationships with material suppliers and vendors </li><li>Research new products and chemicals for new business opportunities </li><li>Conduct ongoing competitor product and technology assessments for assigned categories to ensure understanding of the latest developments in relevant product categories </li><li>Read and understand SDSs for all raw materials that are used, and create SDSs for new products </li><li>Other responsibilities as assigned </li></ul> <p>Professional Skills & Behaviors</p> <ul> <li>Communicates effectively in verbal and written form on research plans and results </li><li>Strategic thinker with ability to determine critical requirements to ensure product formulation success </li><li>Demonstrates initiative in handling responsibilities </li><li>Attends project meetings and prepare project updates </li><li>Ability to manage multiple tasks and plan own schedule to deliver on priorities </li><li>Collaborative outlook with ability to communicate cross-functionally with both technical and non-technical partners </li><li>Comfortable with ambiguity and able to work in fast-paced environment </li><li>Humility, team-first attitude, and ability to get stuff done </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Requires a minimum of a 4-year Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Biology </li><li>A minimum of 3-5 years work experience in a research environment in a regulated industry such as cosmetic, dietary supplement or drug manufacturing </li><li>Familiarity with OTC and/or cosmetic regulations is a plus </li><li>Topical product formulation experience is strongly preferred, but not required </li><li>Good understanding of experimental design with exceptional attention to detail and record keeping </li><li>Knowledge of various analytical equipment and techniques utilized in an analytical laboratory </li><li>Ability to establish priorities, work independently, productively and proceed with objectives without direct supervision </li><li>Familiarity with basic FDA cGMP requirements is strongly preferred </li><li>Basic knowledge and skills sufficient to manipulate and use Microsoft and other software including word processing, spreadsheets, email, internet and MRP systems </li><li>Ability to work in a dynamic fast paced, sometimes rapidly shifting environment and quickly establish priorities </li><li>Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds </li></ul> <p>Reporting Relationship</p> <p>Position reports to Director of Innovation & Business Development and has key interface relationship with the Senior Director of Quality & Technical Services.</p>