Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Vision insurance

The R&D Associate performs various project duties supporting the product development. This includes FPS process, formulation, bill of materials database maintenance, and record retention SOPs and new product process.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following responsibilities would characterize the requirements of this position. Must possess the skills necessary to perform the majority of the listed functions:

1. Interpret customer’s explanations, descriptions and requests and convert them to the chemical components and formula combinations

2. Meet with suppliers and technical experts for product information collecting newest developments and formulating appropriate applications.

3. Assemble chemicals and materials into laboratory batches and test formula for efficacy/performance

4. Modify, substitute, and reformulate materials to meet highest level of customer expectations, and quality while maintaining lowest formulation costs

5. Evaluate alternate chemical suppliers

6. Enter and review formulas in computer system

7. Trouble shoot formula issues related to manufacturing/compounding

8. Revise priorities keeping all deadlines under control according to production demands, customer needs and company interests.

9. Maintain professional expertise through individual study, continuing education and professional development

10. Must communicate progress, problems and needs with management, vendors, customers as appropriate

11. Assist with managing the product development process from the concept phase to the post-launch analysis phase

12. Involvement in new product concept brainstorming meetings

13. Primary liaison with overseas vendors for Product Development from artwork to product specifications, sculpting, and sample approval

14. Negotiate pricing with oversees vendors

15. Set up item number and other development information in item master while updating and maintaining it

16. Ensure the accuracy of product and packaging samples and seek approvals

17. Guarantees deadlines are met to obtain samples for tradeshows & licensor

18. Initiates collateral requests within the Creative Department and/or with outside service vendors

19. Works with Quality Compliance department regarding compliance issues

REQUIREMENTS:

Competencies

1. B.S. degree in Chemistry, Biology or other physical science

2. 2-3 years’ experience in formulation of new and innovative personal care products, preferably in a contract manufacturing environment

3. Ability to multitask handling 4-5 bench projects at a time

4. Ability to thrive within a team environment

5. Working knowledge of claim substantiation

6. Current knowledge of ingredient technology and familiar with working within customer and international

7. Extensive knowledge of laboratory procedures, test instrumentation, and experimental design

8. Advance writing, reading, and math skills including statistical analysis

9. Ability to interpret, analyze, reason, and plan