Sr. R&D Chemist

Job Title: Senior R&D Chemist - Formulation

Division: Innovation

Reports to: VP of Innovation

Position Summary:

The Senior R&D Chemist serves as both a hands-on formulator and a strategic leader ("Coach & Player") within the R&D team. This role is responsible for driving the innovation and development of new personal care products, while also mentoring and guiding junior chemists and cross-functional collaborators. The Senior Chemist leads technical project execution from concept through commercialization and serves as a key 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. Strong project leadership, formulation expertise, and cross-functional collaboration are essential. This position plays a pivotal role in setting the technical direction of projects and in building a high-performing, innovation-driven culture.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Mentoring (Coach Role):

• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to junior chemists and application lab staff.
• Set technical direction and best practices within the R&D team.
• Support the VP of Innovation in prioritizing and allocating project resources.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative lab environment.

Formulation and Technical Development (Player Role):

• Lead the formulation and development of new personal care and cleansing products.
• Conduct formulation troubleshooting, optimization, and scale-up support.
• Oversee and approve stability testing and technical documentation.
• Identify new ingredients and technologies aligned with market trends and consumer needs.
• Evaluate raw materials for performance, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness.

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 for analytical and clinical testing when necessary.
• Interface with Commercial to provide timely and strategic technical support.

Technical Operations and Documentation:

• Oversee technical investigations and formulation documentation practices.
• Manage technical specifications for raw materials, cleansing bases, and finished products.
• 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 on base making and batching processes.
• 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 (MS/PhD) preferred.
2. Experience: 7-15 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. Leadership: Demonstrated experience mentoring others and leading cross-functional technical teams.
5. Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to present technical information clearly.
6. Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.
7. Analytical Skills: Proficiency in wet and instrumental analytical techniques.
8. 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 a leadership role, capable of influencing team development and delivering technical excellence. The Senior R&D Chemist is expected to drive product innovation and process efficiency while nurturing the next generation of technical talent at Bradford.