Senior Scientist Product Formulation
Looking for a career where you can make a difference?
• A comprehensive health plan which includes medical, dental, and vision with low premiums
• 401(k) plan
• A generous profit-sharing program
• Free access to on-site fitness center and on-site clinic
Job Summary:
Under limited guidance, responsible for creating unique skin and color cosmetic formulations that deliver on specific benefits and market-driven needs. Leverage knowledge of the scientific principles of formulation, ingredient chemistry, and industry trends to conduct all facets of product development. Ability to independently conduct development work requiring a thorough knowledge of cosmetic formulation, application of advanced technical knowledge and demonstrated successful stability. Works with agility in an increasingly ambiguous environment to execute formula development from design through scaleup for multiple formulation projects. Serves as a technical leader in formula development for new product development and uses critical thinking to resolve development issues. Demonstrated agility to flow to the work and ability to manage multiple projects with limited supervision. Partner across the organization to lead new formula development from the bench to finished goods with limited supervision.
About the Role:
Responsibilities:
• Advanced understanding/application of core principles in formulation chemistry. Applies knowledge to anticipate potential issues and to propose solutions to observed/anticipated problems. Manage multiple, concurrent projects, including formulation for new product development as well as upstream product innovations. Anticipates project requests and formulation difficulties with proposed solutions. Works in an ambiguous environment. Demonstrates growing independence in in the execution of technical work. Identify constraints that can limit project success and align resources to address.
• Works independently with agility in an ambiguous environment. Uses sound technical judgment in the execution of work with increasing complexity. Has full proficiency in navigating ambiguity to complete objectives. Work supports broader R&D goals with projects/initiatives of moderate complexity. Regularly leads and owns initiatives/projects with intermediate complexity.
• Consistently demonstrates critical thinking in building formulations, analyzing formula stability, setting specifications, and providing recommendations against project needs. High awareness of knowledge limitations. Proactively seeks consultation for new technical issues to ensure quality of work. Makes project/ process related decisions that frequently require developing new options to solve moderately complex problems.
• Consistently makes continuous improvement recommendations to projects and lab processes, including novel formulation approaches. Begins to demonstrate peer accountability. Resolves broader team conflicts, seeking coaching from supervisor as needed
• Delivers technical communications to leaders on project data and communicates project results effectively with peers and management. Full proficiency in technical writing and communication, including oral presentations and reports. Skilled in summarizing work/key concepts for decision-making. Skilled in business communication throughout the organization.
• This job requires on-site work at a Mary Kay facility.
Skills & Experience:
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree but PhD. preferred
Education Focus: Chemistry
Experience: 10+ years
Field of Experience: Cosmetic industry and/or equivalent formulation experience.
Additional Skills & Abilities:
• Demonstrated experience in formulating skin care and color cosmetic products and knowledge of emerging product and technology trends in the cosmetic industry
· Solid understanding of cosmetics chemistry: Candidates must possess a comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of cosmetics chemistry, including formulation and ingredient interactions.
· Practical experience in surfactant chemistry: Applicants should have hands-on experience working with surfactants, understanding their properties, functions, and applications in various cosmetic products.
· Practical experience in emulsion chemistry: Candidates should demonstrate practical expertise in emulsion chemistry, including the ability to create and stabilize emulsions, and troubleshoot formulation issues.
• Demonstrated critical thinking skills to enable experimental design and data analysis that informs technical and business relevant recommendations
• Understanding of the scientific principles of formulation, ingredient chemistry, physical chemistry, and polymer and interface science.
• Must be able to provide solutions to a wide range of formulation challenges which may require the use of ingenuity and creativity.
• Strong communication and presentation skills. Demonstrated written technical and business communication. Ability to summarize technical information for communication with technical and non-technical personnel.
• Able to independently execute multiple projects in an environment of uncertainty and changing demands.
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external colleagues and customers, and across functional boundaries.
