Development Chemist

Position Overview:

The Formulation & Development Chemist is responsible for developing, testing, and optimizing cosmetic and personal care formulations, including skin care, hair care, oral care, and hygiene products. The role involves end-to-end product development from concept to commercialization, ensuring innovation, quality, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Product Formulation & Development

• Develop and formulate innovative cosmetic and personal care products such as creams, lotions, gels, shampoos, conditioners, serums, soaps, and other topical applications.
• Work on stability-improved and cost-optimized versions of existing products.
• Evaluate new raw materials and technologies from suppliers for product improvement and innovation.
• Prepare laboratory-scale samples and conduct pilot trials for production scalability.
• Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, and batch manufacturing records.

2. Research & Innovation

• Conduct research on new active ingredients, trends, and technologies in the cosmetic and personal care industry.
• Collaborate with suppliers and industry experts to explore new materials and process improvements.
• Participate in innovation programs to bring new concepts aligned with marketing and regulatory standards.

3. Testing & Analysis

• Conduct physical, chemical, and performance testing of formulations (pH, viscosity, stability, spreadability, fragrance, color, etc.).
• Perform accelerated and real-time stability studies to determine product shelf life.
• Support quality control with formulation troubleshooting and raw material evaluation.
• Document testing results and generate reports for review and recordkeeping.

4. Process Development & Scale-Up

• Transfer formulations from lab scale to pilot and commercial production batches.
• Optimize process parameters (mixing time, temperature, sequence, etc.) for consistency and quality.
• Collaborate with the production team to ensure smooth technology transfer and scalability.
• Provide technical support during commercial manufacturing.

5. Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure all formulations comply with applicable cosmetic regulations (BIS, FDA, AYUSH, etc.).
• Prepare technical documentation such as Product Information Files (PIF), MSDS, COA, and ingredient lists.
• Support labeling, claims, and safety assessment documentation in coordination with the regulatory team.

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain all formulation data, testing results, and development logs in a structured manner.
• Prepare and submit regular reports on project status, timelines, and results to management.
• Update formulation database and ensure version control for all R&D documentation.

7. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing, Production, Purchase, Quality, and Regulatory departments for project execution.
• Assist in product trials, customer feedback evaluation, and troubleshooting.

Key Skills & Competencies:

• Strong understanding of cosmetic chemistry, raw materials, and product formulation principles.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory and pilot-scale equipment.
• Knowledge of BIS, FDA, or global cosmetic regulatory requirements.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting formulations.
• Excellent record-keeping, documentation, and communication abilities.
• Creativity and curiosity for innovation in personal care products.

Qualification & Experience:

• Education:

  B.Sc. / M.Sc. / B.Pharm / M.Pharm in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, or related field.

• Experience:

  5–8 years of experience in cosmetic, personal care, or pharmaceutical formulation and development.

• Preferred:

  Experience in handling stability studies, process scale-up, and regulatory documentation.