Senior Formulation Scientist

At Apeel, we look to nature to help the global food system extend quality, prevent waste, and ensure an abundant future for our planet.

We believe that our most essential ingredient in our recipe for success is our people. We strive to cultivate an environment where everyone is welcomed, and can bring their full, authentic selves into everything they do ility, Ingenuity, Leadership, Teamwork and Grit are the values that define us and how we work with each other, customers, and communities across the globe.

Apeel Sciences is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and research-oriented formulation development expert to join our team. As a key member of our R&D department, you will be responsible for identifying and optimizing the performance, mixability, and robustness of novel formulations. The ideal candidate will be a hands‑on scientist who thrives in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and brings deep technical knowledge of colloidal systems.

While the primary focus is on discovery and optimization, the role also includes support for scale‑up and technology transfer activities.

This position will report to the Senior Director of R&D and will be based out of our headquarters in Goleta, California. We’re looking for someone to join our team immediately.

• Design and execute experimental studies to develop and optimize formulations aimed at extending the shelf life of fresh produce and reducing postharvest spoilage across the supply chain.
• Design, conduct, and analyze Design of Experiments (DoEs) to maximize product performance, stability, and robustness.
• Perform formulation feasibility studies, including evaluation of the impact of formulation changes on on‑fruit product performance and solution stability.
• Select appropriate emulsifiers, surfactants, stabilizers, and processing methods (e.g., high‑shear mixing, sonication, microfluidization) that maximize product performance and solution stability.
• Characterize formulations using techniques such as rheology, microscopy, and particle size analysis.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams, including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs, to ensure alignment and successful execution of scale‑up activities.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in formulation development and scale‑up.

• Ideal candidates for this position will hold an advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related STEM field.
• Hands‑on experience (e.g. , PhD with 0‑2+ years) in formulation optimization and process development within the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, biotechnology, or related industries.
• In‑depth knowledge of formulation techniques, process optimization, scale‑up methodologies, and IPC development for multi‑phase systems, including emulsions, dispersions, and liquid concentrates.
• Analytical skills with experience in statistical analysis and DoE (Design of Experiments), and demonstrated application to process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of solution characterization techniques, including but not limited to turbidity, viscosity, rheology, and particle sizing.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage timelines effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively across different functions and levels of the organization.
• Independent and problem‑solving mindset with a track record of successfully overcoming challenges in scale‑up processes.
• Ability to perform indoor and outdoor work in cold or hot environments, drive a vehicle, and lift and move boxes of fruit (up to 40 lbs).
• Up to 5% travel (domestic and international) may be required.

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods (up to 8 hours a day), traverse uneven terrain, and move swiftly through packinghouse or other agricultural environments.
• Be able to climb a step ladder.
• Capability to lift and carry moderate to heavy loads up to 40 lbs, such as equipment, boxes and bags of fruit or product.…