Research And Development Chemist

Cohere Beauty is a diverse team of strategic collaborators, product innovators, R&D formulators, and manufacturing professionals. Built on beauty and rooted in quality, our promise is to collaborate, co-innovate, co-develop, and co-manufacture. Promoting diversity and sustainability through our facilities and supply chains, Cohere Beauty’s approach to social, safety, and environmental responsibility is grounded in a commitment to our employees, customers, and the communities where we live and work. At Cohere Beauty, we’re here for what’s next.  

Job Summary   

The Research and Development (R&D) Chemist is responsible for developing new and innovative formulations of liquid, powder, or solid beauty products that meet or exceed customer or company expectations related to consumer preferences, regulatory standards, and market trends.  

This is what you will do:  

• Interpret project briefs, descriptions, and requests and develop chemical components and formula combinations to meet or exceed targets.  
• Meet with suppliers and technical experts for product information, collecting the newest developments, and formulating appropriate applications.  
• Assemble chemicals and materials into laboratory batches and test formulas for efficacy/performance.  
• Modify, substitute, and reformulate materials to meet the highest level of customer expectations and quality while achieving formulation cost targets.  
• Evaluate alternate chemical suppliers.  
• Enter and review formulas in computer systems.  
• Troubleshoot formula issues related to manufacturing/compounding.  
• Monitor priorities, achieving deadlines, as directed by the lab supervisor, according to production demands, customer needs, and company interests.  
• Participate in project team meetings, providing project updates when requested, targeting on-time completion.  
• Maintain professional expertise through individual study, continuing education, and professional development.  
• Must communicate progress, problems, and needs with management, vendors, and customers as appropriate.  
• Work with the Process Engineer to help transition approved formulations to full-scale manufacturing, including support during plant trials and the start of production.  
• Create and verify manufacturing instructions prior to production.  
• Communicate effectively with others.  
• Collaborate with Marketing for technical assistance on social media posts.  
• Perform additional duties as assigned for the Cohere Innovation Collaborative.    
• Perform work onsite, unless approved by Director R&D.  
• Occasional travel for cross-site work, trade shows or continuing education.    

 Chemist I   

• 1-3 years of experience in an industrial lab, prior formulation experience a plus.  
• Functions with moderate supervision.  
• Ability to interpret, analyze, reason, and plan effectively.  
• Ability to execute a plan with excellence.  
• Intermediate clerical skills including data entry, PC, and filing.  
• Ability to excel in product formulations while meeting cost demands.  
• Advanced writing, reading, and math skills including statistical analysis (college level and beyond).  
• Ability to read, write, and speak English competently.   
• Must be able to think logically, multitask, assess, and adjust priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines.  
• Basic knowledge of laboratory procedures, testing instrumentation, and experimental design and controls.  
• Keep accurate documentation of laboratory work, especially lab notebooks, ensuring regulatory and corporate compliance for formula development.  
• Ability to follow cGMP and GLP guidelines.  
• Generate ingredient decks, technical information, and product specifications.  
• Must be flexible, and able to handle multiple projects with a can-do positive attitude.  
• Be able to work OT and overnight, as needed, based on production demands.  
• Demonstrate ability to formulate/reverse engineer and troubleshoot the following types of products, with minimal assistance, before consideration for advancement to Chemist II:  
• Shampoo  
• Conditioner  
• Gel  
• Pomades  
• Hairspray  
• Styling Products  
• Must complete commercialization of a minimum of 15 new formulas before consideration for advancement (R&D Production batches).  

 Chemist II (Including all Chemist I Skills)  

• Minimum of 2-5 years’ experience in research and development of personal care, pet care or household and industrial products.  
• Functions with little supervision and capable of managing typical projects.  
• Working knowledge of formulation, process, and product design principles.  
• Working knowledge of root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques and application to new and existing SKU’s.  
• Knowledge of cosmetic/personal care raw materials, functionality, and interactions.  
• Identify and interpret variations in product, equipment, and procedures that may affect results.  
• Ability to develop good working relationships.  
• Perform product stability testing and packaging compatibility testing.  
• Develop and maintain SOPs and engage in additional work stream activities.  
• Identify new/improved formulation technologies and apply them to meet project needs.  
• Must be able to multi-task, while maintaining a clear sense of priorities and focus.  
• Must be flexible, and able to handle multiple projects with a can-do positive attitude.  
• Demonstrate core competency development and ability to formulate/reverse engineer and troubleshoot the following types of products, unassisted, before advancement to Chemist III:  
• Fibers  
• Clays  
• Skincare  
• Pet care  
• Hair Color  
• Body Care  
• Must complete commercialization of a minimum of 15 new formulas before consideration for advancement (R&D Production Batches).   

 Chemist III (Including all Chemist I & II Skills)  

• Minimum of 3-7 years’ experience in research and development of personal care, pet care, or household and industrial products.  
• Functions autonomously on typical projects and with little supervision on complex projects.  
• Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, testing instrumentation, and experimental design and controls.  
• Strong formulation expertise and understanding of raw material chemical interactions.  
• Provide technical expertise and support to Marketing and Innovation during development or review of new and existing products.  
• Ability to lead projects and work independently with minimal supervision.  
• Must be flexible, and able to handle multiple projects with a can-do positive attitude.  
• Demonstrate core competency development and ability to formulate/reverse engineer and troubleshoot the following types of products, unassisted, before advancement to Chemist Senior Chemist:  
• Prestige Skincare  
• Prestige Haircare  
• Fragrance Products  
• Powders – Cross-site training will be available.    
• Responsible for training and onboarding of new hires.   
• Must complete commercialization of a minimum of 15 new formulas before consideration for advancement (R&D Production Batches).   

 Senior Chemist (Includes all Chemist I, II, & III Skills)   

• Minimum of 7-10 years’ experience in research and development of personal care, skincare, pet care or household and industrial products.  
• Make decisions autonomously on complex projects.  
• Function as a lead and mentor to junior chemists.  
• Act as an alternate supervisor in the Supervisor’s absence.  
• Apply technical expertise and knowledge base gained from prior experience to generate new ideas that lead to innovative and proprietary materials and products.  
• R&D experience working in relevant categories, such as hot fill, hair color, skincare, haircare and OTC Monograph drugs for a minimum of 5 years.  
• Must be able to lead and understand big picture and in-depth technical details related to program responsibilities.  
• Understand and drive cross-functional work with Sales, Production, Regulatory, and Quality.  
• Supervise Lab Tech and junior chemists, on an as-needed basis.  
• Help promote technical and business learning opportunities and growth for team members.  
• Must be flexible, and able to handle multiple projects with a can-do positive attitude.    

 Technical Lead Duties (Includes all Chemist I, II, & III Skills):  

• Provide technical assistance to junior Chemists and assist other lab personnel with technical questions and raw material reviews, as needed.    
• Work with Process Engineering to troubleshoot production issues that exceed the scope of staff Chemists technical expertise.  
• Work with raw material suppliers to help identify cost savings opportunities and discuss new trends and technical data.  
• This duty should not be prioritized over weekly assignments and projects unless otherwise directed by Director R&D.    
• Assist Director R&D with special projects and data analysis.  
• Help to evaluate technical white space regarding raw materials.  
• Assist with development activities and raw materials trends analysis for the Cohere Innovation Collaborative.  

This is what you will need:  

• B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology, or other physical science.  
• 6 months to 1 year of supervisory experience.  
• Specific training or experience in OSHA regulations and laboratory safety.  
•  Comprehensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, testing instrumentation, and experimental design and controls.  
• Ability to maintain reliable and predictable attendance.  
• Oral and written communication skills should be at advanced levels  
• Intermediate clerical skills: filing, typing, PC expertise (preferred).  
• Comprehensive knowledge of the product development process (1-3 years’ experience in a product development environment) (preferred).  
• Training in Total Quality Management or quality control techniques (preferred).  

We enthusiastically welcome your application, as we recognize the invaluable perspective, experience, and potential you possess. Apply with us today!  Together, we win!