Formulation Chemist
Actalent, Cedar Rapids, IA, United States
The Cosmetic Formulation Chemist is responsible for hands‑on development, optimization, and commercialization of personal care formulations. The role focuses on formulation research and product development while supporting manufacturing scale‑up, process transfer, and ensuring reliable production at pilot and production scale. The Chemist collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, and other cross‑functional teams to bridge formulation intent with scalable processing.
Responsibilities
Research, develop, and optimize personal care formulations from early concept through commercialization.
Perform bench‑scale formulation work to support new product development, reformulations, and line extensions.
Design and execute formulation studies related to performance, aesthetics, and physical stability.
Maintain clear and accurate formulation records, procedures, and experimental results.
Create and maintain formulation documentation, including specifications, ingredient declarations, and batch instructions.
Maintain strong technical knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation strategies, and emerging technologies.
Source and evaluate raw materials in support of formulation development and innovation.
Support the transfer of formulations from laboratory to pilot and full‑scale manufacturing.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production teams during scale‑up activities.
Assist in defining processing parameters, order of addition, temperature control, and mixing conditions.
Provide formulation support during initial production runs and scale‑up trials.
Troubleshoot formulation‑or process‑related issues encountered during manufacturing.
Recommend formulation or process adjustments to improve manufacturability, consistency, and efficiency.
Provide formulation expertise to cross‑functional teams to support product development decisions.
Participate in technical discussions related to product performance and formulation design.
Assist with evaluation and qualification of alternate raw materials to support manufacturing continuity.
Conduct routine laboratory activities related to formulation development.
Maintain safe laboratory practices and organized workspaces.
Provide technical guidance to junior R&D staff as appropriate.
Display and promote company values of Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve.
Ensure compliance with company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Practices.
Develop protocols, methods, and SOPs as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Skills
Experience in personal care science or cosmetic science.
Direct experience with bench‑scale formulation development.
Understanding of scale‑up, pilot batching, and tech transfer to manufacturing.
Insight into formulation‑process relationships such as mixing, heating/cooling, and material handling.
Effective problem solver with a focus on manufacturable, robust formulations.
Collaborative team player across R&D and Manufacturing functions.
Experience with regulatory affairs and FDA regulations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Cosmetic Science.
Minimum of 3 years of formulation experience in personal care or cosmetic science.
Job Type & Location
Permanent position based in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Pay and Benefits
Salary range: $50,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year. PTO (2 weeks), health insurance, paid holidays (12), 401(k).
Workplace Type
Fully onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
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Responsibilities
Research, develop, and optimize personal care formulations from early concept through commercialization.
Perform bench‑scale formulation work to support new product development, reformulations, and line extensions.
Design and execute formulation studies related to performance, aesthetics, and physical stability.
Maintain clear and accurate formulation records, procedures, and experimental results.
Create and maintain formulation documentation, including specifications, ingredient declarations, and batch instructions.
Maintain strong technical knowledge of cosmetic ingredients, formulation strategies, and emerging technologies.
Source and evaluate raw materials in support of formulation development and innovation.
Support the transfer of formulations from laboratory to pilot and full‑scale manufacturing.
Collaborate with Manufacturing, Engineering, and Production teams during scale‑up activities.
Assist in defining processing parameters, order of addition, temperature control, and mixing conditions.
Provide formulation support during initial production runs and scale‑up trials.
Troubleshoot formulation‑or process‑related issues encountered during manufacturing.
Recommend formulation or process adjustments to improve manufacturability, consistency, and efficiency.
Provide formulation expertise to cross‑functional teams to support product development decisions.
Participate in technical discussions related to product performance and formulation design.
Assist with evaluation and qualification of alternate raw materials to support manufacturing continuity.
Conduct routine laboratory activities related to formulation development.
Maintain safe laboratory practices and organized workspaces.
Provide technical guidance to junior R&D staff as appropriate.
Display and promote company values of Attitude, Safety, Passion, Integrity, Relationship, and Evolve.
Ensure compliance with company’s Good Manufacturing Practices and Safe Practices.
Develop protocols, methods, and SOPs as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Essential Skills
Experience in personal care science or cosmetic science.
Direct experience with bench‑scale formulation development.
Understanding of scale‑up, pilot batching, and tech transfer to manufacturing.
Insight into formulation‑process relationships such as mixing, heating/cooling, and material handling.
Effective problem solver with a focus on manufacturable, robust formulations.
Collaborative team player across R&D and Manufacturing functions.
Experience with regulatory affairs and FDA regulations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Cosmetic Science.
Minimum of 3 years of formulation experience in personal care or cosmetic science.
Job Type & Location
Permanent position based in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Pay and Benefits
Salary range: $50,000.00 – $75,000.00 per year. PTO (2 weeks), health insurance, paid holidays (12), 401(k).
Workplace Type
Fully onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on May 6, 2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr