Senior Chemist, Research & Processing

HiFyve is hiring a Senior Chemist, Research & Processing in the personal care and manufacturing industry!

Salary: $95–120K/yr

Shift: Monday–Friday

Location: Eagan, MN

Job Summary:

HiFyve is hiring a Senior Chemist, Research & Processing to support formulation development, scale-up, and process optimization within the R&D team. This role serves as a technical bridge between formulation, process engineering, and manufacturing, ensuring successful tech transfers, resolving scale-up challenges, and driving innovation through targeted research initiatives. The position also supports cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement across product development and production operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead technical transfer of formulations from lab to production (internal and customer-owned)
• Support pilot batches and scale-up trials, troubleshooting processing challenges
• Partner with Process Engineering, Formulation, and Manufacturing teams
• Resolve issues related to mixing, emulsification, stability, temperature, and raw material incorporation
• Provide technical support for formulation troubleshooting and optimization
• Analyze ingredient behavior during processing (heating, cooling, mixing, dispersion)
• Support identification of alternative raw materials for cost, performance, or sustainability improvements
• Conduct research on processing methods, dispersants, emulsifiers, and ingredient technologies
• Evaluate raw material grades and surface treatments (including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)
• Develop internal best practices and technical guidelines based on research findings
• Serve as a technical liaison to QA, Regulatory, Operations, and Marketing teams
• Collaborate with external suppliers on new ingredient technologies and innovations
• Communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional stakeholders
• Support additional R&D initiatives as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• BS in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field with 8+ years of experience
• OR advanced degree with 6+ years of experience
• 10+ years preferred experience in personal care formulation development
• Strong understanding of emulsion chemistry, pigment dispersion, and mineral actives
• Experience with scale-up, pilot batches, and production transfer
• Knowledge of FDA regulations and cGMP requirements
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and lab processing equipment
• Experience interpreting analytical and formulation data

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or Chemical Engineering
• Experience with SPF formulations and mineral UV filters
• Background in global cosmetics and OTC regulatory frameworks
• Strong experience in emulsions, dispersions, and surfactant systems
• Hands-on experience with pilot-scale processing and tech transfer activities