Senior Chemist, R&D

Summary / Objective

To create new innovative formulae based on benchmark products, concepts, and customer briefs. Enhance existing formulae and processes and convert customer-supplied formulae to meet the Company’s format and capabilities. Supervise the day-to-day tasks of R&D chemists to ensure efficiency and productivity. Assist the R&D Manager and QC Manager in maintaining quality standards by adhering to and upholding programs to safeguard safety and quality.

Assist the R&D Manager in maintaining a cohesive and positive working environment in the lab.

• Research and develop innovative cosmetic products based on current industry trends, benchmark products, customer brief or other product concepts.
• Reverse‑engineer current marketed products.
• Assist in providing technical support for other R&D formulations.
• Assist in streamlining R&D communication with QC Laboratory, Quality Assurance, Customer Service, Production, and other departmental personnel to ensure production of top‑quality finished goods.
• Work with R&D Manager to conduct process engineering and scale‑up of formulas.
• Work with R&D Manager to enhance and/or modify existing formulas, processes and procedures to fit production needs.
• Ensure the integrity and quality of customer’s formulations.
• Learn the newest technologies and ingredients offered in the field by meeting with vendors and attending seminars.
• Assist in the selection of appropriate raw materials for innovative products and establish alternate raw materials in existing products.
• Experiment with in‑process production bulk or finished product on a lab scale to provide science‑based recommendations for reprocessing production batch issues.
• Work with R&D Manager and QC Manager to issue the recommended adjustments to production batches as necessary.
• Prepare and standardize all required reagents.
• Ensure R&D equipment/instruments are calibrated, logged, and in good working order.
• Develop and validate new analytical testing procedures.
• Review and sign off on Master Batch Records, Manufacturing Instructions, Specifications, and Checklist.
• Ensure appropriate stability testing is performed on various formulae as required.
• Promote compliance with Bright Innovation Labs policies, procedures, quality standards, and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) as well as safety and environmental regulations. Participate, as required, in safety and GMP training sessions and other company training sessions.

• Experience using Microsoft Programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Projects, and Outlook.
• Extensive knowledge of cosmetic regulations.
• Multiple years of experience and knowledge of cosmetic skincare and haircare formulations.
• Ability to multi‑task and reprioritize tasks on a moment’s notice.
• Assisting the R&D Manager by supervising a team of chemists to work safely, efficiently, and productively.
• Flexibility with schedule including shift work and occasional extension of working hours.
• Requires knowledge of basic math skills.

• Directly or indirectly supervise a team of R&D chemists (assists manager). Responsibilities include training and directing daily workflow.

• Full‑time position. Base days and hours are Monday through Friday, eight (8) hours per day depending on the shift assigned.
• Overtime is voluntary and must be pre‑approved by the R&D Manager. Overtime notice will be communicated as far in advance as feasible, although may be less than one work day in some cases.

Little to no travel is expected for this position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or a related science from a four‑year college or university.
• Five or more years of experience in formulating cosmetic skincare and haircare products.

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in cosmetic science with years of experience in cosmetic research and innovation is preferred.

English language and knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Must be authorized to work in the U.S. as a pre‑condition of employment.