Associate R&I Chemist is the first step in our technical career path for formulation chemists. We attract talented candidates with passion for the field who want to grow their expertise in the categories of colour cosmetics, sunscreens and skincare. Suitable candidate in this role will be responsible for executing lab batches in the assigned product category, participate and execute DOEs (design of experiments) and keep detailed documentation of all experimental results. Associate Chemists perform and record evaluations and analytical testing of their batches, they will develop new shades of anhydrous and hydrous colour cosmetics and perform applicable analytical testing to determine preliminary product specifications. Associate R&I Chemist will work under the supervision and mentorship of a more senior R&I Chemist and support them during formula development of different projects. Upon gaining sufficient experience and demonstrating high quality of work, the individual in this role may be assigned their own projects with the full responsibility for quality of submissions, turnaround times and approvals.
Key Accountabilities:
- Making lab batches of various formulas and at different stages of development cycle: for client submissions, stability/compatibility testing and all other purposes. Work must be diligent, detailed and follow internal processes for quality and documentation of all steps.
- Shade development within assigned colour cosmetics product categories in both anhydrous and hydrous systems following the brief requirements and working with set benchmarks.
- Assist R&I Chemists in the development of new formulas / shades of various Cosmetic product categories as required.
- Ability to make texture and color adjustments and evaluate completed lab batches using instrumentation, visually and on the skin following defined evaluation methods is required.
- Perform all applicable analytical testing on all formulas and lab batches following product category guidelines and requirements, record all test results.
- Execute in-process stability on lab batches following internal process guidelines, record all observations and provide regular updates to responsible R&I Chemist and R&I Lab Manager.
- Preparation and documentation of all experimental lab batches, including the procedures, in-process stability observations and applicable test results in the R&I electronic lab notebook (Coptis), based on departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Maintain the cleanliness and sanitary conditions of laboratory equipment/instruments and working stations
- Maintain Compliance with all departmental Health & Safety standards, SOPs, GMP, GLP and Regulatory requirements
- Participate actively in clients’ visits, huddles on new projects/product development as required
- Ability to perform risk assessment on the newly developed shades
- Stay current and up to date with new raw materials, technologies and market trends.
- Participate in trouble shooting/problem solving including D.O.Es, stability and production support
- Aid and /or train Lab Technicians and other Associate Chemists as required
- Assist in various R&I related lab tasks as required.
Skills, Experience and Education Required:
- Minimum Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry or related field. Cosmetic Science education is preferred
- New graduates will be considered; experience gained in the cosmetic industry such as internship or on the job is preferred
Experienced Candidates:
- Minimum 6 months to one year experience in cosmetic R&D
- Good understanding of raw materials and colorants used in different cosmetic formulations
- Demonstrated experience with processing cosmetic formulations in laboratory setting
- Demonstrated experience in evaluating laboratory samples
- If experience is gained in colour cosmetics, must demonstrate colour matching and evaluations techniques
- Demonstrated experience in standard stability testing of cosmetic formulations in laboratory setting
- Must understand basic compliance and regulatory requirements for cosmetic products in Canada and the US
- Good understanding and working knowledge of analytical instruments and testing methodologies used in a cosmetic R&D laboratory
General Requirements:
- Good general laboratory experience and data-keeping skills; GMP / GLP training and awareness
- Process and detail oriented
- Good problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
- Good communication, organization, and computer skills.
- Resourceful, agile and solution-oriented
- Must be a team player, creative, highly motivated and flexible with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
If you are interested, please contact Ivana Knezevic, Director, Research & Innovation Lab : iknezevic@cosmeticalabs.com
