R&D Lab Associate

Purpose:

We are seeking a Research and Development Lab Associate to become an integral part of our growing team! As the Research and Development Lab Associate you will provide functional technical support to Manufacturing, Procurement, Quality, and other functional areas.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Support development of formulations from concept through launch, ensuring alignment with product performance and manufacturability requirements.
• Assists the R\&D Coordinator with preparing Prepare product formulations in accordance with customer specifications, business requirements, and good manufacturing practices (Product forms: Spa, Skincare, nailcare, etc.)
• Develop, design, and optimize chemical processes and new product formulations.
• Translate Marketing concepts into scalable formulations through iterative prototype development
• Prepare, maintain, and peer-review technical documentation relevant to product development, including, but not limited to: Master Batch Records, Ingredient Lists, Verification protocols, Product Specifications, and Standard Operating Procedures.
• Stay current on new raw materials and ingredient innovations to support formulation improvements and product development initiatives.
• Source and maintain price quotes and documentation for new and existing raw materials in coordination with Purchasing and Quality, following VBC Material Standards.
• Coordinate production and/or produce product prototypes for internal and/or external evaluation to ensure the robustness of commercial formulations.
• Develop and implement chemical process models to scale up Develop, implement, and oversee scale up procedures from laboratory to pilot and production scale.
• Operate and maintain laboratory instrumentation to conduct product analysis, generating reliable data to support formulation development, stability assessment, and troubleshooting efforts.
• Monitor QC stability testing results and assess formulation performance over time, identifying potential stability concerns and recommending corrective actions.
• Support continuous improvement of formulation and scale-up processes, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, consistency, and product quality.
• Maintains accurate records of all projects and assignments.
• Complies with all Company policies and procedures, including safety rules and regulations, department SOP’s, and cGMP regulations.
• Maintains a safe work environment and operates in a safe manner.
• Perform other job duties related to the job, as assigned by management.

Minimum Requirements:

• B.S. or B.A. in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related field (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred).
• 2-4 years of formulation development experience in cosmetic and/or personal care industries or other relevant industries experience. Any combination of experience, education, and training that provides the level of knowledge, skills, and experience needed to perform the job successfully.
• Experience with color matching, color chemistry, and/or paint.
• Experience with formulating new products.
• Knowledge of chemical, interfacial, and surface interactions.

Knowledge, Skills, \& Abilities:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Working knowledge of laboratory techniques and regulatory considerations within cosmetics or related industries, with a willingness to continue learning about ingredients, formulations, and regulations.
• Ability to support product formulation, development, and commercialization in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and multitasking skills with the ability to manage shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively while maintaining a professional, positive working relationship with cross-functional teams.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods and perform physical movements such as bending, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as needed.
• Vision abilities include close, distance, and color vision with the ability to adjust focus.
• Work may involve exposure to environments with noticeable products or ingredient odors.

VB Cosmetics Featured Benefits:

• Company paid:
• Health, dental, vision, basic life insurance, short and long term disability, and parental leave
• 401K with company match
• Company contribution towards Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Quarterly company profit sharing opportunity
• Robust Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Birthday and Anniversary recognition with gift card
• Performance and Safety recognition awards
• Employee referral bonus
• Gym reimbursement

Why work at VB Cosmetics?

At VB Cosmetics, our team members are our smartest investment. In addition to our dazzling company culture, associate engagement and recognition initiatives, our benefits package, competitive compensation, and career development opportunities are important ways of showing them that we invest in our employee’s personal and professional success.