RID Senior Scientist (Color Cosmetics & Scale-Up)

Position Summary: The Senior Scientist, Color Cosmetics & Scale-Up, will serve as a key technical leader responsible for the formulation development, optimization, scale-up, and commercialization of innovative color cosmetic and skin topical products. This individual will lead formulation efforts for foundations, skin tints, BB/CC creams, concealers, primers, tinted moisturizers, serums, lotions, cream-based cosmetics, and hybrid skincare-makeup products. The role requires strong expertise in pigment technology, color matching, emulsion systems, texture optimization, manufacturing processes, pilot plant execution, and commercial scale-up. The Senior Scientist will ensure successful transfer of formulations from bench development through commercial production while meeting quality, performance, regulatory, and cost targets.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
•    Independently develop and optimize color cosmetic and skin topical formulations, including foundations, skin tints, BB/CC creams, concealers, primers, tinted moisturizers, creams, lotions, make-up and serums.
•    Design and execute formulation strategies that deliver target aesthetics, texture, coverage, shade accuracy, stability, performance, and consumer experience, using expertise in pigment technology, color science, shade matching, pigment dispersion, optical modifiers, and complexion product formulation
•    Lead bench-top formulation development, raw material evaluation, and technical feasibility assessments of novel ingredients, pigments and formulation technologies.
•    Conduct formulation studies, analyze experimental data, interpret results, and develop data-driven recommendations with minimal supervision.
•    Lead pilot plant and manufacturing trials, optimizing process parameters to ensure successful commercialization and consistent product quality for color products
•    Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges related to emulsion stability, viscosity, pigment dispersion, aeration, filling, process scale-up, preservation systems, and long-term product stability.
•    Develop product specifications, and technical documentation to ensure product quality, compliance, and reproducibility.
•    Collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Supply Chain and external partners to support new product development and commercialization.
•    Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and laboratory personnel.
•    Serve as a technical representative on cross-functional project teams and support customer-facing technical discussions when needed.
•    Maintain accurate laboratory records and technical documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), GMP requirements, and company standards.
•    Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, competitive products, ingredient innovations, manufacturing processes, and regulatory developments within the color cosmetics and skincare categories.
 

Essential Skills and Qualifications:
•    Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, engineering, or a related technical field 
•    At least 10 years of relevant formulation experience in the personal care/cosmetics industry
•    Proven experience developing and commercializing color cosmetic and skin topical formulations, including foundations, skin tints, BB/CC creams, concealers, primers, tinted moisturizers, creams, lotions, and serums.
•    Strong knowledge of topical formulations, R&D, innovation, and ingredient interaction chemistry
•    Extensive knowledge of skincare formulation chemistry and understanding of skincare, OTC, personal care, and medical devices
•    Working knowledge of FDA regulations and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)
•    Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and deliver high-quality results
•    Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills for engaging with clients, stakeholders, and internal teams
•    Strong creative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
•    Demonstrated expertise in pigment technology, color science, shade matching, pigment dispersion, optical modifiers, and formulation design for superior aesthetics, coverage, stability, and performance.
•    Proven track record of scaling formulations from laboratory development through pilot plant and commercial manufacturing, including process optimization, technology transfer, process validation, and manufacturing support.
•    Strong knowledge of emulsion systems, rheology modification, preservation systems, bulk stability, and formulation troubleshooting.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:
•    Advanced degrees (e.g., Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant scientific or technical field
•    Experience with regulated products (e.g., OTC drugs, medical devices)
•    Experience managing or mentoring junior scientists
•    Familiarity with digital formulation tools, lab management systems, or innovation platforms
•    Track record of building strong customer relationships and delivering consumer-centric solutions
•    Supervisory or team leadership experience in a fast-paced R&D environment