Senior R&D Chemist

Onsite Role at our Warehouse in Somerset, NJ.

Scentbird is building out a formal R&D function for the first time. The Senior R&D Chemist owns formula-based product innovation across both the Scentbird and Drift brands - most of the current R&D workload sits on the Drift side, but this role isn't brand-exclusive. Reporting to the Senior Director of Technical Innovation & Engineering alongside the Device Engineer, you'll set feasibility on new platforms, own supplier relationships for new formula technology, and build the R&D infrastructure that doesn't exist here yet.

• Own formula R&D across all products, device-based and non-device
• Own product innovation for non-device platforms - technology and vendor discovery, capability evaluation
• Approve/reject technical feasibility on formula-only platforms
• Partner with the Device Engineer on device-based platforms as a joint feasibility gate
• Set technical requirements and capability parameters for new formula technologies before Product Development designs around them
• Own supplier relationships for new base formula technology (e.g. Firmenich, Cosmo), then hand off to Product Development for ongoing olfactive work
• Partner with Product Development on olfactive sign-off
• Own long-term effectiveness validation for functional products (e.g. cleaning efficacy)
• Review existing product portfolio to identify opportunities to improve olfactive performance through technology and formula enhancements
• Discover and evaluate new raw materials to improve olfactive performance
• Establish formal R&D processes and SOPs where none currently exist
• Source new suppliers and technologies that fit the brand portfolio
• Spec requirements for Scentbird's future dedicated R&D lab

• A builder - you're comfortable creating a function, not just running one
• Confident holding a technical line under commercial pressure
• Strong cross-functional collaborator - engineering, creative, supply chain, quality
• Hands-on and curious - you test rather than assume
• Thinks in terms of production scale, not just the bench sample

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field
• 7+ years of formulation/R&D experience in fragrance, home care, air care, personal care, or adjacent CPG
• Direct experience managing fragrance house or formula-supplier relationships
• Experience setting technical feasibility criteria for new product platforms, ideally including device-based systems
• Strong track record partnering cross-functionally with engineering and product development
• Comfortable building process where none currently exists

• Competitive base compensation
• Paid Time Off and Work From Home
• Wellness Days
• 401k with Company Match
• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Commuter Benefits
• Flexible Spending Accounts, as well as Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Complimentary Scentbird Membership
• A fun, creative and energetic work environment

Scentbird inspires fragrance lovers to go beyond the ordinary and sample scents that evoke passion, confidence, and the unknown. Our mission is to revolutionize the way we perfume by bringing the ultimate fragrance playground right to your fingertips and offering a digital subscription service that lets members choose from over 500+ designer perfumes each month.

• Scentbird :
  The easiest way for fragrance lovers to discover, try, and buy their favorite scented products without a commitment
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