Work Location:
On-Site in Urbana, IA POSITION SUMMARY: The Personal Care Formulation Scientist is responsible for the research, development, formulation, optimization, and commercialization of personal care products. This role provides hands-on technical expertise from concept through launch and partners closely with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, suppliers, and co-manufacturers to deliver safe, effective, high-quality, commercially viable products.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
Formulation & Product Development Develop, formulate, and optimize personal care products across relevant categories and formulation systems. Evaluate raw materials and ingredient functionality, including emulsifiers, surfactants, rheology modifiers, preservatives, actives, and other functional ingredients. Design and execute laboratory experiments, prototypes, and formulation trials to meet product performance, quality, cost, and consumer requirements. Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues and recommend practical technical solutions. Scale-Up & Commercialization Translate laboratory formulations into scalable, manufacturable commercial processes. Support pilot and production scale-up, process development, and technology transfer with internal manufacturing teams and external co-manufacturers. Partner with Operations and Quality to resolve manufacturing issues and ensure successful product launches. Support development of specifications, manufacturing instructions, and technical documentation. Stability & Product Testing Develop and execute stability protocols and evaluate product performance over time. Coordinate or support preservative challenge testing, microbiological testing, analytical testing, and packaging compatibility studies as appropriate. Analyze test results and make data-driven recommendations for formulation improvements and product release. Raw Material & Supplier Development Evaluate new ingredients and suppliers for functionality, quality, regulatory suitability, availability, and cost. Work with Procurement and suppliers to identify alternatives, optimize formulations, and mitigate supply or quality risks. Maintain technical knowledge of emerging ingredients, technologies, and personal care formulation trends. Cross-Functional Collaboration Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, Marketing, and other stakeholders throughout the product lifecycle. Provide technical input to product concepts, claims, specifications, packaging, and commercialization decisions. Communicate formulation status, risks, timelines, and technical recommendations clearly to cross-functional teams and leadership. Continuous Improvement & Innovation Identify opportunities to improve product performance, quality, manufacturability, cost, and sustainability. Research new technologies, ingredients, and formulation approaches to support innovation and portfolio growth. Participate in cost-reduction, reformulation, line-extension, and product-improvement initiatives. Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate laboratory notebooks, formulation records, specifications, testing records, and development documentation. Ensure development activities align with applicable company procedures, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. Support audits, investigations, and regulatory or quality initiatives as needed. The above is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Other activities may be assigned as required by management.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience/Requirements: Required 3–7 years of hands-on personal care, cosmetic, consumer products, pharmaceutical, or closely related formulation experience. Strong understanding of formulation chemistry, ingredient functionality, emulsions, surfactants, rheology, preservatives, and product stability. Hands-on experience with laboratory formulation, testing, troubleshooting, and experimental design. Experience supporting scale-up, commercialization, and manufacturing of formulated products. Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and project-management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively across functions. Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate technical documentation. Preferred Experience across multiple personal care categories and formulation systems. Experience with natural, clean-label, OTC, or specialty personal care products. Experience working with contract manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, and external laboratories. Knowledge of stability testing, preservative challenge testing, microbiology, analytical methods, and packaging compatibility. Experience with formulation software, PLM, ERP, LIMS, or related technical systems. Demonstrated experience taking products from concept through commercialization and launch.
Core Competencies:
Formulation science and technical expertise Product development and commercialization Technical problem solving Cross-functional collaboration Project management and execution Innovation and continuous improvement Data analysis and decision making Communication and influence Attention to detail and documentation Success Measures Successful development and commercialization of high-quality personal care products. Formulations that meet performance, quality, cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Effective resolution of formulation and manufacturing technical issues. On-time execution of development and commercialization projects. Improved product performance, cost, stability, and/or manufacturability through continuous improvement. Strong technical partnership with internal teams, suppliers, and co-manufacturers. Physical & Work Environment This position requires regular work in a laboratory and office environment and may require periodic presence in manufacturing areas. The role may involve standing for extended periods, handling laboratory materials and equipment, wearing required personal protective equipment, and occasional travel to suppliers, co-manufacturers, or other company locations.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related scientific discipline. Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline (preferred). Equal Employment Opportunity The Company is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from unlawful discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, business needs, and other lawful factors.
