Formulation Chemist

Position Summary

The Formulation Development Chemist plays a hands‑on role in the research, development, and commercialization of personal care products. This position is primarily focused on creating and optimizing formulations from early concept through launch, while also supporting manufacturing scale‑up and technology transfer. Working closely with Manufacturing and Engineering, this role ensures that innovative formulations translate into reliable, scalable, and high‑quality production processes.

• Research, develop, and optimize personal care formulations from initial concept through commercialization.
• Perform bench‑scale formulation work to support new product development, reformulations, and line extensions.
• Design and execute studies evaluating product performance, aesthetics, and physical stability.
• Maintain accurate and detailed formulation records, experimental data, and development documentation.
• Prepare and maintain formulation‑related documentation, including specifications, ingredient declarations, and batch instructions.
• Stay current on cosmetic ingredients, formulation strategies, and emerging technologies.
• Source, evaluate, and qualify raw materials to support formulation development and innovation.

• Support the transfer of formulations from laboratory to pilot and full‑scale manufacturing.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production teams during scale‑up and commercialization activities.
• Assist in defining processing parameters such as order of addition, temperature control, mixing conditions, and materials handling.
• Provide on‑site formulation support during pilot runs, scale‑up trials, and initial production.
• Troubleshoot formulation‑ and process‑related issues during manufacturing.
• Recommend formulation or process improvements to enhance manufacturability, consistency, and efficiency.

• Serve as a formulation subject matter expert for cross‑functional teams supporting product development decisions.
• Participate in technical discussions related to formulation design and product performance.
• Support the evaluation and qualification of alternate raw materials to ensure supply continuity and manufacturing flexibility.

• Support routine laboratory operations related to formulation development.
• Maintain safe laboratory practices, organized work spaces, and compliance with company safety standards.
• Develop protocols, methods, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) as needed.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior R&D staff, as appropriate.
• Demonstrate and promote company values (ASPIRE: Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve).
• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), safe practices, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Strong foundation in formulation chemistry and laboratory‑based research and development.
• Experience with wet chemistry techniques and analytical tools such as viscometers, HPLC, and FTIR.
• Understanding of quality control, regulatory compliance, and FDA requirements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills with a focus on robust, manufacturable formulations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across R&D, Manufacturing, and Engineering teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on formulation experience within personal care or cosmetic product development.
• Direct experience with bench‑scale formulation development.
• Working knowledge of scale‑up, pilot batching, and technology transfer to manufacturing.
• Familiarity with formulation–process relationships, including mixing, heating/cooling, and materials handling.
• Experience supporting regulatory and FDA‑compliant environments.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $33.60/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend…