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Formulation Chemist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Evaluate the consequences of formulation or process changes and provide clear guidance to stakeholders. * Support quality, purchasing, and customer-facing teams with technical insight and problem ...

Evaluate the consequences of formulation or process changes and provide clear guidance to stakeholders. * Support quality, purchasing, and customer-facing teams with technical insight and problem ...

Production Chemistry: * Monitor chemical programs at all North Slope facilities with a diverse background of technical knowledge and experience and focus on continuous improvement of current chemical ...

IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Analytical Chemist Division: Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Entity: Advanced Testing Laboratory Inc Location: Iowa City, Iowa Reports to: Site Manager FLSA: Non-exempt Hours Worked:

Analytical Chemist

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Analytical Chemist Division: Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services Entity: Advanced Testing Laboratory Inc Location: Iowa City, Iowa Reports to: Site Manager FLSA: Non-exempt Hours Worked:

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Grimes, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Johnston, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Pleasant Hill, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

CleanPack Chemist (CDL)

Elkhart, IA · On-site

$15.63 - $41.54/hr

The Environmental Field Chemist are (NOT) laboratory-based Chemist. Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico ...

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Showing results 1-20

Formulation Chemist information

See Iowa salary details

$32.9K

$82.4K

$139K

How much do formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for formulation chemist in Iowa is $82,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,400.00 and $103,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Formulation Chemist vs Analytical Chemist?

AspectFormulation ChemistAnalytical Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on product development and formulationLaboratories focused on testing and analyzing samples
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and consumer goods companiesQuality control labs, research institutions, manufacturing plants
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Formulation Chemists focus on developing and optimizing product formulations, while Analytical Chemists specialize in testing and analyzing samples to ensure quality and compliance. Both roles require strong chemistry backgrounds and often work together in product development and quality assurance processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a formulation chemist?

To excel as a Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a related field. Proficiency in laboratory techniques, analytical instruments (such as HPLC, GC, or spectrophotometry), and familiarity with regulatory standards like GMP are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and strong communication skills help you collaborate effectively and ensure product quality. These capabilities are crucial for developing stable, effective formulations that meet safety, efficacy, and regulatory requirements.

What is a formulation chemist?

A formulation chemist helps in the product testing and development of pharmaceuticals or household products, like cleaners, cosmetics, and soaps. Your duties include mixing different agents or compounds and performing tests, such as UV tests, to determine product safety and potential for use. Some formulation chemists work in other industries such as the oil and gas industry where they inspect octane levels for car fuel. You might also find work as a cosmetic chemist where you test makeup and perfumes. Others work in the food industry, testing and creating ingredients and flavor additives.

What are some typical challenges a formulation chemist faces when working on new product development?

Formulation Chemists often encounter challenges such as balancing the stability, efficacy, and safety of new products while meeting regulatory requirements and cost constraints. They must troubleshoot issues like ingredient incompatibilities, unexpected chemical reactions, or scale-up difficulties when moving from lab to production. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and manufacturing, is essential to address these challenges and ensure a successful product launch.
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Chemist jobs in Iowa? For Formulation Chemist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Formulation Chemist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Formulation Chemist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Formulation Chemist jobs in IA? For Formulation Chemist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Formulation Chemist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,404 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

265th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Description
The Formulation Scientist I will report to the Director of Preformulation and Formulation Development and provide support by conducting experiments, investigations, or evaluations. The incumbent will participate in the formulation and process development for small molecule and biotherapeutic agents. This is a laboratory-based position performing formulation and process development activities specifically for therapeutic products from pre-clinical and Ph I clinical trials through late stage, license application and commercialization. This position performs all assigned formulation and analytical chemistry techniques with minimal supervision after the training period. This position will demonstrate a strong desire and ability to learn scientific principles and their cause and effect on scientific outcomes. This position will review other scientist's protocols, reports, specifications and test methods and will be responsible to efficiently learn to present interpretations. This position will be responsible for preparing data summary presentations, compiling data, and authoring technical reports and regulatory filings associated with their work. Effective communication skills are desirable for interactions with laboratory scientists, project managers and colleagues performing various functions, serving on multi-disciplinary project teams within UI Pharmaceuticals.
About the University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals
UI Pharmaceuticals is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) within the College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa. Our mission is to improve quality of life by applying our pharmaceutical expertise to advance innovative products into clinical trials. Our vision is to be the premier partner for biotech, government, and research institutions.
We are located on the main campus in Iowa City, which offers a great place to live, top rated schools, a vibrant night life, and world class health care facilities. As a University of Iowa employee, you will have access to an excellent benefits package.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Research, Experiments, Investigations and Evaluations
  • Coordinate and implement multiple research projects/programs under the direction of departmental Director.
  • Perform basic and complex techniques as outlined in research plans, assure fidelity to scientific protocols, assist in design of research plans/protocols.
  • Experience in lab scale process of drug product formulation and scale-up of formulations through pilot scale.

Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data
  • Collaborate and interact with scientists, chemists, and manufacturing personnel, and plan and execute the generation, characterization, and analysis of pharmaceutical materials.
  • Collect and interpret experimental data to guide subsequent experiments aimed at pharmaceutical product and process development.
  • Develop formulations and processes suitable for manufacturing clinical trial supplies, in co- operation with internal manufacturing and analytical research groups.

Compliance
  • Assure safety and compliance with required organization and regulatory policies for laboratory activities, respond to compliance and safety violations.
  • Responsible for the appearance, function, maintenance, and compliance of the group's equipment and physical space.
  • Ensure compliance with UI policies and procedures.

Administrative and Project Management
  • Collaborate and interact with collegiate faculty, particularly in the division of Pharmaceutics and Translational Therapeutics (PTT) to advance research and development projects within University of Iowa Development Consortium (UIPDC).
  • Coordinate and manage equipment at facility.
  • Produce written materials in business- and industry-specific technical language related to development of a variety of pharmaceutical products.

Human Resources
  • Assist with Human Resource functions, including interviewing, selection, training, performance review, may provide input in annual staff performance reviews.
  • Design, evaluate, and coordinate training of employees on basic and new laboratory techniques and procedures needed to execute development projects.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Education
  • MS in Pharmaceutics, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering; or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Experience
  • Minimum 2 years Industry experience in preformulation/formulation development functions preferred or equivalent postgraduate experience to include:
    • Demonstrated ability to apply scientific principles to preformulation/formulation development of pharmaceutical dosage forms.
    • Hands on experience with basic analytical techniques such as HPLC, UV-Vis, and other routine lab instruments.
    • Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
    • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
    • Demonstrated ability to apply good documentation and record practices.
    • Candidate should be knowledgeable with scientific investigation and thinking, proactively identify issues, and develop solutions.

Desirable Qualifications
  • Expertise in the development of freeze-dried formulations for small molecules and biologicals.
  • Expertise in addressing solubility and bioavailability issues in the development for oral or parenteral pharmaceutical products.
  • Expertise in characterization of pharmaceutical materials and an understanding of material properties and their influence on product quality.
  • Working knowledge of cGMPs, including CMC regulatory information required for INDs/NDAs/ANDAs with respect to API, preformulation, formulation, analytical methods, and dosage form manufacturing processes.
  • Working knowledge of statistics relevant to pharmaceutical product development.
  • Knowledge of requirements to safely work with Safebridge 3 compounds.
  • Skillful at authoring and reviewing technical documents including, standard operating procedures, product development reports, batch records etc.

Application and Position Details
  • In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Benefits Highlights
  • Regular salaried position. Pay level 4A . Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • For more information about Why Iowa? Click here .

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

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