R&D Formulation Chemist

Bradford Labs Inc.

Position Description

Job Title: R&D Formulation Chemist – 

Division: Innovation/R&D Reports to: VP of Innovation

Position Summary:

The Formulation Chemist serves as both a hands-on formulator and a strategic advisor within the R&D team. This role is responsible for driving the innovation and development of new personal care products, while leading technical project execution from concept through commercialization and serves as a technical advisor for both internal stakeholders and external partners.

This individual will identify and assess new ingredients and technologies, develop robust formulations, and contribute to process optimization and knowledge transfer to manufacturing. Project leadership, formulation expertise, and cross-functional collaboration are essential. This position sets technical direction of projects and collaborates in building a high-performing, innovation-driven culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Formulation and Technical Development:
• Lead formulation and development projects of new personal care and cleansing products.
• Conduct formulation troubleshooting, optimization, and scale-up support.
• Identify new ingredients and technologies aligned with market trends and consumer needs.
• Evaluate raw materials for performance, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative lab environment.
• Project Management & Collaboration:
• Responsible for cross-functional technical projects from concept to launch.
• Collaborate with process engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure successful formula transfer and scale-up.
• Coordinate with outside labs and internal stability lab for analytical and clinical testing when necessary.
• Interface with Commercial Team to provide timely and strategic technical support.
• Technical Operations and Documentation:
• Oversee technical investigations and formulation documentation practices.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Contribute to the development of new analytical procedures where necessary.
• Maintain accurate lab records, software databases, and R&D archives.
• Application Laboratory Guidance:
• Provide guidance and support to the Applications Lab where needed.
• Responsible for the scale-up of formulations from Concept Lab to Application Lab.
• Ensure seamless technical transfer between labs and to full-scale manufacturing.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry or related scientific field; advanced degree preferred.
2. Experience: 5-7 years in formulation and product development in the cosmetics, oleochemical, or personal care industry.
3. Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of formulation, raw materials, scale-up, and problem-solving techniques.
4. Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
5. Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
6. Analytical Skills: Proficiency in wet and instrumental analytical techniques.
7. Software Proficiency: Competence in Microsoft Office Suite and formulation/ERP systems (e.g., Oracle, SAP, HubSpot, SmartSheets).

Additional Information:

This role requires an individual who thrives in both a hands-on laboratory setting and who can interface with customers and internal constituents. We are looking for someone who is comfortable driving product innovation and process efficiency.