Formulation Chemist – Topical, Oral Care & Oral Films

Role Summary

This role leads hands-on formulation work from concept through commercialization for basic topical cosmetics, OTC topicals, oral care products, and oral dissolving strips. The chemist will own bench development, scale-up support, and technical documentation under the guidance of the VP of R&D.

Level: Early career / Associate

Key Responsibilities

Product Development (Concept to Launch)

Translate marketing briefs and clinical/strategic needs into formulation concepts for creams, lotions, gels, liquids, oral care, and oral films.

Design, prepare, and optimize prototype formulations, including selection of excipients, actives, and processing parameters.

Develop and execute formulation stability plans (pH, viscosity, rheology, sensory, flavor, sweetness, disintegration, etc.).

Generate and manage technical documentation: formulation records, development, reports, and change histories.

Topical Cosmetics & OTC Products

Formulate topical cosmetics (e.g., moisturizers, serums, gels) with targeted sensory profiles, skin types, and cost-of-goods constraints.

Support OTC topical development (e.g., analgesic, anti-itch, acne, medicated oral care) in line with appropriate regulatory frameworks and internal guidance.

Partner with regulatory and quality colleagues to ensure claims, ingredient selections, and labeling are aligned with cosmetic vs. OTC expectations.

Execute stability and preservative efficacy programs; interpret data and recommend formulation or packaging changes.

Oral Care & Oral Dissolving Strips

Formulate oral care products (e.g., mouthwashes, oral gels, sprays, rinses) with appropriate taste, mouthfeel, and safety profiles.

Support the formulation of oral dissolving strips/films, including polymer system selection, plasticizers, flavors, and sweeteners.

Assist with basic performance testing (e.g., disintegration time, strip mechanical properties, content uniformity in collaboration with analytical).

Work with senior staff on scale-up parameters for casting/drying and other manufacturing processes relevant to oral films.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Scale-Up

Work closely with Process/Manufacturing to transfer formulations from lab scale to pilot and commercial scale, including drafting or refining master batch records.

Coordinate with Analytical/Quality Control on test methods and specifications to ensure products meet release and stability criteria.

Support troubleshooting of manufacturing or quality issues with data-driven root-cause thinking and formulation/process adjustments.

Compliance, Safety, and Continuous Improvement

Follow applicable lab safety, documentation, and GMP-like expectations for development activities.

Maintain accurate, timely lab notebooks and electronic records.

Stay current with ingredient trends, new technologies, and regulatory shifts relevant to cosmetics, OTC topicals, oral care, and oral films.

Propose formulation improvements, cost optimizations, and innovation opportunities within assigned categories.

Qualifications

Education

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cosmetic Science, or related field.

Experience

2-5 years of hands-on formulation experience (internships, co-ops, or industry lab roles) in cosmetics, topical pharmaceuticals, oral care, or related dosage forms.

Experience with emulsions, gels, or film-forming systems (academic or industrial) strongly preferred.

Technical Skills

Working knowledge of surfactants, emulsifiers, polymers, humectants, preservatives, and other common excipients.

Comfort with basic characterization techniques: pH, viscosity, appearance, density, disintegration (for films), and simple stability assessments.

Familiarity with lab-scale equipment: mixers, homogenizers, overhead stirrers, pH meters, viscometers, balances, and ovens/dryers.

Ability to learn fundamentals of oral dissolving film technology, content uniformity, and related testing under senior guidance.

Professional Competencies

Strong analytical and problem‑solving mindset with attention to detail and good experimental design habits.

Clear written and verbal communication; ability to summarize data and next steps concisely.

Organized, able to manage multiple projects and timelines in parallel.

Collaborative, coachable, and comfortable working closely with a senior R&D leader in a fast‑moving environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental insurance

- Health insurance

- Health savings account

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person