Development Chemist - Cosmetics / Personal care

Science Solutions are currently recruiting for a Development Chemist, for a manufacturer of cosmetic and personal care products in the Hampshire area.

Reporting to Product Development Manager the purpose of this post is to carry out the design, development and preparation of new product formulations ensuring compliance with both regulatory and customer requirements at all times. The post holder will have experience in the formulation and development of cosmetics and toiletries preferably in the bath, body, hair and skincare products.

The post holder will have in-depth knowledge of raw material availability & functionality and cosmetics regulations. The post holder will have proven project management experience, as well as the ability to manage the workloads of junior team members.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop and prepare cosmetic and toiletry formulations meeting project briefs within the budgets provided
• Design & Manage stability and packaging compatibility testing programmes with external contract laboratories
• Arrange performance testing or safety assessments where necessary
• Perform lab-scale production of in-house formulated products
• Liaise with Marketing, Operations and Quality departments to ensure all progress from projects is communicated
• Liaise with and present to both new and existing customers on formulation matters
• Liaise directly with raw material suppliers to maintain knowledge base of trends, availability and functionality
• Liaise directly with the manufacturing and process development departments on scale-up issues and process improvement
• Assist in the maintenance of the Product Development database (COPTIS) for in-house formulated products
• Support technical information team on major regulatory changes
• Give direction and input to COPTIS processes across all factory sites
• Provide technical advice both internally and externally to customers as required
• Maintain accurate up-to-date records of all work
• Ensure all paperwork is well documented and to the required guidelines
• Manage the workload of up to 2 technicians and assist in their development/progression within the team
• Act as mentor to one or more junior chemists, supporting them with their individual workload and assisting them with their professional development
• Carry out any other reasonable duties at the request of the Product Development Manager or Technical Director

Knowledge and experience:

• Educated to degree level qualification or a Diploma in Cosmetic science - essential
• Experience in developing cosmetics and toiletry formulations from first principles through to scale-up and subsequent full scale manufacture - essential
• Knowledge of UK cosmetic legislation and awareness of European and global market regulatory requirements - essential
• Experience in presenting products and concepts to customers
• Ability to work individually and efficiently
• Demonstrate ability to efficiently plan, organise and manage their own workload proactively and on own initiative plus up to two technicians if required
• Ability to use computerised information systems to retrieve, update and input all relevant data
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft PowerPoint - moderate understanding is essential
• Knowledge of Health and Safety at Work (HASAW) and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP)