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Cosmetic Scientist Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Company Description Eurofins Scientific is an international life sciences company, providing a ... cosmetic product testing and in agroscience Contract Research Organisation services. It is one of ...

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Cosmetic Scientist information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$49.1K

$126.5K

$169.1K

How much do cosmetic scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for cosmetic scientist in Raleigh, NC is $126,477.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a cosmetic scientist do?

A Cosmetic Scientist researches, formulates, and tests beauty and personal care products, such as skincare, haircare, and makeup. They apply chemistry, biology, and pharmacology to develop safe and effective formulations that meet industry regulations. Their work includes selecting ingredients, improving product stability, and ensuring consumer safety. Cosmetic Scientists often collaborate with marketing and regulatory teams to bring innovative products to market.

What are some typical daily responsibilities of a cosmetic scientist?

As a Cosmetic Scientist, your daily responsibilities often include developing and testing new formulas, evaluating product stability and safety, and documenting formulation processes. You’ll also spend time conducting laboratory experiments, analyzing data, and working closely with cross-functional teams such as marketing, regulatory affairs, and quality assurance. Keeping up to date with industry trends and staying compliant with regulatory standards is also part of the job. This collaborative and detail-oriented environment offers opportunities to innovate and contribute to the launch of new beauty and personal care products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a cosmetic scientist?

To thrive as a Cosmetic Scientist, you need a solid background in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field, often supported by at least a bachelor's degree in cosmetic science or a similar discipline. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, formulation software, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and relevant safety certifications is highly valuable. Attention to detail, creativity, effective teamwork, and strong communication skills are essential soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure safe, effective product development, regulatory compliance, and productive collaboration with marketing, regulatory, and R&D teams.

Are cosmetic scientists in demand?

Cosmetic scientists are in demand due to the growing beauty and personal care industry, which emphasizes product innovation and safety. They often work in laboratories, developing new formulations, and require knowledge of chemistry, skincare ingredients, and regulatory standards. Employment prospects are generally strong, especially for those with advanced degrees and experience in product development or quality control.

How do you become a cosmetic scientist?

To become a cosmetic scientist, typically a bachelor's degree in chemistry, biology, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions in cosmetic or pharmaceutical companies, along with developing skills in formulation, testing, and regulatory compliance, is essential for advancing in this career.

How much money do cosmetic scientists make?

Cosmetic scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries can vary based on education, experience, location, and the complexity of formulations they develop in laboratory settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cosmetic Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Cosmetic Scientist jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Cosmetic Scientist jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Cosmetic Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Cosmetic Scientist job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,477 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Senior Scientist, Formulation and Process Development

Durham, NC • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Senior Scientist, Formulation and Process Development

VitaKey is an exciting start-up developing and commercializing proprietary technology for controlled, targeted, extended, and sustained delivery of macronutrients, micronutrients, probiotics, biologics, small molecules, etc. to be included in everyday foods and beverages to improve human health. We are seeking innovative and motivated scientists and engineers to be part of the company's next-phase of growth at our Durham NC HQ. Learn more about our company on our website at www.VitaKey.com

Role Summary

Responsibilities will involve leading, designing, and executing on formulation and process development for VitaKey platform technologies. Responsibilities will also include hands-on benchwork in an R&D laboratory preparing formulations, travel to partner manufacturing sites (~35% travel), technology transfer from lab scale to pilot and manufacturing scale. Responsibilities will also include identifying, selecting, and managing interactions with process development and manufacturing partners. You will serve as an independent contributor. Projects will be highly interdisciplinary, at the intersection of engineering, biochemistry, materials science, food science and nutrition.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Use the principles of spray drying, hot melt extrusion, fluidized bed coating, wet granulation, dry granulation, various milling, lyophilization, etc. to formulate nutrient payloads at lab scale
  • Design and manufacture formulations with drug delivery technologies including nutrient stabilization, extended release, and targeted delivery
  • Identify, evaluate, select, and manage process development and manufacturing partners including coordinating material and data transfer
  • Execute QbD scale-up of lab scale formulations to large-scale manufacturing (e.g., single, double, triple-digit kg) at selected partners
  • Identify critical quality attributes and process parameters and implement appropriate analytical methodology (e.g., FT-IR, Raman, viscosity, MS/MS, particle size analysis, microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, UV-VIS, water activity) to support technology transfer from lab scale to pilot and manufacturing scale
  • Establish documentation practices including sample submission systems, method validations, certificates of analysis, and method transfers
  • Prepare monthly reports of project progress
  • Interface with bench formulation R&D teams, analytical development, and clinical teams to support company-wide objectives; regularly present findings at company meetings
  • Work with external partners for raw materials selection and characterization
  • Travel to pilot-/manufacturing-sites to oversee and lead process development
  • May mentor and direct other scientists
Qualifications
  • MS with a minimum of 4-7 years of experience or PhD with 2-4 years of experience in food technology, probiotic technology, pharmaceutical delivery sciences, nutraceutical technology, and/or cosmetic formulations industries in process development and/or manufacturing
  • Direct experience leading QbD scale up of a delivery technology from bench to multi-kg scale for a marketed product within the food technology or probiotic spaces is highly preferred; candidates who have developed a marketed product with an advanced drug delivery technology are also encouraged to apply
  • Candidate must be an expert in at least 2 of the following unit operations: spray drying, hot melt extrusion, fluidized bed coating, wet granulation, dry granulation, various milling, and lyophilization
  • Experience working with professionals from formulation science, chemical engineering, bioengineering, pharmaceutical sciences, polymer chemistry, food science or allied disciplines
  • Experience with QA, QC, CQA, establishing testing specifications, determining critical process parameters, etc.
  • Entrepreneurial and self-motivated work style; comfort in ambiguity
  • Excellent cross-disciplinary skills in communicating ideas to both scientists and non-scientists.
  • Startup experience is highly valued, but not required.
  • Candidates must work full time on-site in Durham, NC
  • Ability to adjust rapidly to changing scientific priorities and technologies
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