Formulation Chemist

Job Title: Formulation ChemistJob Description

The Formulation Chemist supports the global innovation pipeline for hair and skin care products by developing, testing, and optimizing formulations from concept through scale-up. Working under the guidance of the R&D Supervisor and in close collaboration with cross-functional teams, this role focuses on delivering high-quality, compliant, and innovative products on time while ensuring robust documentation and adherence to industry standards.

Responsibilities

• Create and refine hair and skin care product formulas, conducting stability, compatibility, physical, chemical, and performance testing to ensure product quality and robustness.
• Develop, implement, and review product procedures and specifications in alignment with industry regulations and internal standards.
• Standardize and accurately document approved formulas to create final master documentation, including product specifications, blending procedures, raw material sources, and testing results.
• Source new raw material samples from vendors and suppliers, and partner with procurement to identify and qualify sourcing channels for large-scale ordering.
• Evaluate potential alternative raw materials and packaging components for compatibility and performance in existing and new formulations.
• Collaborate closely with the Compounding and Production teams to execute production batches, ensuring smooth scale-up and technology transfer from R&D to manufacturing.
• Stay current on new technologies, market trends, and raw materials in the cosmetic and hair care industry to drive innovation within the laboratory.
• Work with the Regulatory team to provide technical documentation and build complete dossiers for each product and raw material.
• Maintain strict compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), including accurate and timely documentation.
• Participate in process and protocol improvements in both the laboratory and manufacturing areas to increase efficiency, safety, and product quality.
• Engage in cross-departmental meetings with teams such as sales, marketing, and operations to support product launches and address technical questions.
• Investigate and resolve technical issues by performing root-cause analysis and recommending effective corrective and preventive actions.
• Participate in trainings, seminars, and continuous improvement activities to expand technical knowledge and enhance productivity.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
• Three to five years of relevant experience in the cosmetic industry, preferably in hair or skin care formulation and manufacturing.
• At least 2+ years of hands-on formulation experience in an R&D laboratory setting.
• Practical experience in wet chemistry techniques, including titration and related analytical methods.
• Experience working with raw materials and chemical components used in hair care, skin care, or cosmetic products.
• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), including proper documentation procedures.
• Ability to conduct and interpret stability, compatibility, physical, chemical, and performance testing.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to perform root-cause analysis and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills for documentation, reporting, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated accountability, dependability, planning skills, and sound judgment.
• Good business acumen and the ability to balance technical rigor with practical manufacturing considerations.
• Working knowledge of ERP systems and databases for managing formulations, materials, and documentation.
• Awareness of the latest technology trends and applications in the cosmetic and personal care industry.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Masters degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related scientific field is preferred.
• Experience within hair care or cosmetic product development, particularly in a CDMO, chemical manufacturing, or raw material supplier environment.
• Hands-on experience with chromatography, FTIR, and related analytical instrumentation.
• Experience in developing or supporting hair care-focused products and an interest in the cosmetic and personal care industry.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and management methods aimed at enhancing efficiency and quality.
• Resourceful and determined mindset with a strong ability to solve problems creatively and drive projects forward.
• Ability to participate effectively in cross-functional meetings with sales, marketing, operations, and regulatory teams.
• Interest in staying current with new raw materials, technologies, and market trends to support ongoing innovation.

Work Environment

This role operates primarily in a laboratory and manufacturing environment focused on cosmetic, hair care, and skin care product development. You will work with a small, collaborative team where your contributions have a visible impact on current and future products. The work involves regular use of laboratory equipment and techniques such as wet chemistry, titration, chromatography, and FTIR, as well as interaction with production-scale compounding and manufacturing processes. The position requires the ability to stand and walk for sustained periods during 8- to 10-hour shifts, to carry, twist, push, and pull products, and to lift up to 50 pounds. Good handeye coordination is essential for handling laboratory materials and equipment safely and accurately. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with one weekend training required per year. The environment emphasizes safety, adherence to GMP and GLP, continuous improvement, and close collaboration across R&D, production, regulatory, sales, marketing, and operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Stonecrest, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Stonecrest, GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 24, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Stonecrest,GA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.