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Research and Development Chemist
Job Description
Senior Chemist - Cosmetics / Personal Care
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Local Candidates Only)
Department: Research & Development
Reports to: VP of R&D
About the Role
We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Senior Chemist with a strong background in formulation science for the cosmetics and personal care industry. The ideal candidate will bring innovative ideas to the lab, stay ahead of market trends, and contribute to product development from concept through commercialization. This is a hands-on bench role with opportunities to directly impact product innovation, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Key Responsibilities
Develop new formulations and reverse-engineer products based on customer briefs and cost targets, while respecting restricted ingredient lists.
Reformulate and improve existing formulas to enhance performance, stability, and compliance.
Monitor market trends, ingredient innovations, and 'free from' claims to ensure cutting-edge product development.
Collaborate with suppliers, evaluate new raw materials, and maintain ingredient and regulatory documentation.
Create novel product textures, concepts, and actives to support innovation and marketing initiatives.
Assist in preparing technical and marketing presentations for customer innovation seminars.
Provide technical input on claims, safety, microbiology, and regulatory submissions.
Troubleshoot and optimize manufacturing and filling processes.
Partner with Quality and Regulatory teams to establish and maintain product standards.
Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and professional networking opportunities.
Maintain lab cleanliness and compliance with GLP standards.
Job Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemistry or related field.
Minimum 6 years of hands-on formulation experience in the cosmetics/personal care industry.
Strong knowledge of raw materials, their functionalities, interactions, and delivery systems.
Expertise in emulsions, surfactant systems, and general formulation techniques.
Familiarity with U.S. and international regulatory frameworks (NSF, USDA/NOP, NPA, etc.).
Excellent organizational, technical writing, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to balance multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines.