Research & Innovation - Leading Senior Chemist

Department Summary:

Research & Innovation is the creative scientific hub at Cosmetica, whose primary activity consists of research and formulation development based on clients’ briefs and internal innovation concepts. Upon approval, the new formulations lead to the manufacturing of finished products and drive revenue for the company. The complex activities within R&I are possible through the commitment and expertise of the diverse talent pool, their mutual collaboration, and the continuous evolution and growth of technical capabilities.

Scope:

The Research and Innovation Lab has an opening for a senior technical formulator with extensive experience in cosmetic powders, both in technology and innovation. The level of seniority of the position will be determined based on the experience and expertise of the selected candidate. The person in this position will lead the exploration and adoption of new technologies in powder cosmetics as well as innovation opportunities with existing technologies. Further responsibilities include the development of new and innovative formulas, re-engineering benchmark products, or reformulating existing formulas in the category of cosmetic powders. The role requires leading multiple projects in the lab, acting as a technical development leader in the powder category, designing and leading DOEs, and coaching and transferring knowledge to more junior staff. Support for production and commercialization of projects includes evaluation of technical issues, troubleshooting, and providing recommendations for corrective actions. The person in this role will interface with all internal and external stakeholders and actively participate in client’s visits, calls, huddles, risk assessments, and project launch meetings.

Key Accountabilities:

• Research, identify and plan with R&I Leadership implementation of technologies and raw materials to strengthen company’s competitive advantage in the cosmetic powder category
• Identify and propose new opportunities for innovation
• Development of new and innovative formulas in all cosmetic powder categories
• Re-engineering of benchmark products in cosmetic powder categories
• Ensure formula compliance
• Lead multiple projects concurrently and manage formulation development projects within powder category from a technical perspective
• Mentor and support the technical development of internal talent
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of new raw materials, technologies, equipment and trends in cosmetic industry
• Lead chassis formula development in powder category across different technologies
• Cooperate with raw materials suppliers on new applications and innovations, utilizing their portfolio
• Streamline raw materials portfolio
• Prepare and document all experimental lab batches, including the operating instructions on the R&I electronic formula cards based on departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Perform all applicable analytical testing based on product’s specification and written procedures, and record results
• Review and/or develop specifications for new products for suitability with existing manufacturing systems and feasibility of other advanced technologies
• Review and interpret analytical data related to new developments and existing formulations
• Design and lead DOEs
• Lead Stability investigations on new and existing formulas as required
• Actively participate in Risk Assessment, project management and SWOT meetings as needed
• Provide guidelines and consult with the engineering group on processing of new products at the scale-up stage
• Review and sign first Production batch cards
• Actively participate in clients’ visits, huddles, and conference calls on new and existing projects
• Provide assistance and / or training to co-workers chemists, or associate chemists.
• Maintain compliance to all health and safety standards, SOPs, GMP, GLP and regulatory requirements
• Maintain the cleanliness and sanitary conditions of laboratory equipment, instruments and working stations
• Assist in various R&I-related lab work as required

Skills, Experience and Education Required:

• Post-secondary education (Bachelor or Master) in Science, preferably in Chemistry
• 8+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation, with minimum 5 years spent in innovative cosmetic powders R&D environment
• Excellent technical and practical knowledge of raw materials, their functions and applications, and related technologies in the cosmetic field 
• Excellent knowledge of processing technologies for all cosmetic powder categories
• Excellent understanding and working knowledge of analytical instruments for conducting
• Physical/chemical testing of cosmetic products
• Leadership initiative, resourcefulness and solution orientation
• Willingness and initiative to coach and transfer knowledge to more junior staff
• Good understanding on product development, performance evaluation and market trends
• Must have good colour matching skills
• Excellent organizational, communication and computer literacy skills
• You must be a team player, creative, highly motivated and flexible, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment