Senior Chemist – Research & Processing
About the Role
We’re looking for a Senior Chemist – Research & Processing who enjoys being where innovation meets execution. This role is ideal for someone who likes to get out of the lab and into production, acting as the technical connector between formulation, process engineering, and manufacturing.
You’ll play a key role in bringing formulations to life at scale, solving real-world processing challenges, and helping turn great ideas into robust, manufacturable products. This is a highly collaborative, visible position with strong influence across R&D and Operations.
What You’ll Do
Tech Transfer & Scale-Up
Lead formula transfer from bench to pilot and full-scale manufacturing (customer-owned and internal).
Serve as the technical bridge between formulation chemists, process engineering, and production.
Provide on-site support during pilot batches and scale-up trials.
Troubleshoot processing challenges related to mixing, emulsification, temperature control, dispersion, and stability.
Formulation & Process Support
Partner with formulators and compounders to resolve formulation and processing issues.
Provide deep technical insight into ingredient behavior during scale-up.
Identify and evaluate alternative raw materials to improve cost, performance, or sustainability.
Research & Innovation
Drive targeted research aligned with the R&D innovation roadmap.
Explore new processing methods, dispersants, emulsifiers, and technologies.
Lead technical evaluation of raw material grades and surface treatments (especially zinc oxide and titanium dioxide).
Translate research findings into internal best practices and technical guidelines.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a technical resource for QA, Regulatory, Marketing, and Operations.
Collaborate with raw material suppliers to stay ahead of emerging technologies.
Communicate technical insights clearly and practically to diverse stakeholders.
What You Bring
Technical & Professional Skills
Strong hands-on experience with lab and pilot-scale processing equipment.
Advanced formulation and process understanding.
Solid knowledge of FDA regulations and cGMP environments.
Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities without losing attention to detail.
Comfortable working cross-functionally and influencing without authority.
Clear, professional communicator with both internal teams and external partners.
Mindset
Curious, proactive, and solutions-oriented.
Enjoys fast-paced environments and continuous improvement.
Comfortable taking ownership and driving work forward independently.
Collaborative by nature, but confident making technical decisions.
Education & Experience
MS or PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
3+ years of experience in cosmetic R&D, formulation, or process/scale-up support.
Nice to Have
Strong background in emulsion chemistry, pigment dispersion, and mineral actives.
Proven experience with technical transfer in GMP or manufacturing environments.
Experience with SPF formulations and mineral UV filters.
Familiarity with global cosmetics and OTC regulatory frameworks.
Ability to interpret analytical data and connect it to real processing outcomes.
resumes to lpolo@jacobsmgt.com