Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist

The Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist furthers the Badger mission by providing RDI laboratory oversight and technical leadership supporting formulation strategy for lab scale cosmetic and OTC topical products.

This role combines advanced hands-on cosmetic formulation work with lab management responsibilities including inventory control, equipment upkeep, lab organization, safety compliance, and workflow coordination. The Lead Cosmetic Formulation Scientist provides workflow and technical guidance to the Lab & Scale-Up Technician in everyday laboratory product development activities and benchtop formulation.

Responsibilities:

Cosmetics and OTC Formulation and Product Development

• Lead formulation development for natural cosmetic and OTC topical products (creams, oils, balms, lotions, sunscreens and others) following direction and process guidance provided by RDI Director.
• Apply ingredient interaction knowledge to help build targeted experimental designs.
• Support formulation strategy, including raw material evaluation, prototype development, and performance optimization.
• Provide guidance to Laboratory & Scale up Technician on cosmetic science methods, formulation best practices, physical chemistry processing and experimental design.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory workflows to enable efficient product development project execution and designate formulation tasks to Lab & Scale up Technician
• Support RDI Director in troubleshooting challenges related to texture, viscosity, mixing, emulsion stability, mixing or ingredient variability.

• Ensure formula stability before pilot manufacturing process and support Quality in product stability after pilots.

• Support in the experimental design and analytical needs for quality investigations.

• Perform precise formula math including scaling, percentage-to-weight conversions, and sample estimation for different needs.

• Prepare accurate, reproducible small-scale batches with optimized processing parameters (order of addition, mixing speeds, temperatures, shear).
• Assist Regulatory by participating in ingredient and product standard determination.
• Support other activities as needed such as assisting in Scale up, Pilots, Tech transfer. etc.

Testing, Analysis & Documentation

• Conduct standard cosmetic and OTC analyses including pH, viscosity, structural stability, density, microscopy and organoleptic evaluations.
• Support in designing and standardizing laboratory analysis.
• Interpret results to guide iteration and formulation improvement.
• Maintain detailed batch records, formulation revisions, experimental records, and technical reports.
• Lead internal sensory and efficacy evaluations including focus group panels for product assessment.

Laboratory Management

• Maintain a highly organized, clean, and safe laboratory environment to support efficient RDI workflows.
• Implement systems for ingredient organization, sample storage, labeling, and equipment placement.
• Execute organization and cleaning tasks in coordination with the Lab & Scale-up technician.

• Oversee raw material and packaging inventory for bench top formulation including tracking, ordering, receiving, and labeling.
• Ensure appropriate storage conditions for temperature and light-sensitive materials. and light sensitive materials.
• Coordinate and execute disposal of expired materials and chemical waste in compliance with regulations.

• Manage laboratory equipment including routine cleaning, calibration, preventive maintenance, and records.
• Manage consumable needs and laboratory supplies

Pay starting at $35/hour; salary is commensurate to experience.

Requirements

Experience & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Cosmetic Science or Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field with a degree of formal coursework in Cosmetic Science.

• 3+ years of hands-on formulation experience specifically in cosmetics, natural personal care or OTC topical products.
• Hands‑on experience managing laboratory operations or lab resources is highly preferred.

Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in cosmetic structural physical chemistry such as emulsion systems, surfactants, gels, rheology and texture design. Natural or botanical formulations preferred

• Proficiency with lab instruments including homogenizers, mixers, pH meters, viscometers, rheometers, and stability chambers.
• Familiarity with cosmetic regulatory frameworks (FDA OTC monographs, cosmetic labeling, INCI nomenclature).

• Highly organized with strong ownership of lab order and operational efficiency.
• Leadership mindset with collaborative communication style.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to shifting priorities.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources