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Formulation Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

FORMULATION SCIENTIST

Rosenberg, TX ยท On-site

$87K - $105K/yr

Design, execute, analyze, and document formulation and process development studies using scientific and risk-based approaches. * Apply Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE ...

Master's degree in Food Science and 1 year of experience * A Bachelor's degree and 3 years of ... Progressive experiences in formulation design from bench top development to pilot scale up, through ...

Formulation Scientist

Cambridge, MA ยท On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Seeking a Formulations Scientist to support ASO drug product formulation and process development. This role focuses on formulation design, characterization (DLS, zeta potential, HPLC), stability ...

Cosmetics Formulation Scientist Duration: 9 months contract, extendable up to 24 Months Location: Summit, NJ / Skillman, NJ Will work primarily in Skillman 4 days per week and one day per week in ...

Formulation Chemist

Middletown, VA ยท On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Scientist II - Chemistry / Formulation Chemist Location: Middletown, VA - 22645 Duration: 6 Months Job Type: Temporary Assignment Work Type: Onsite Shift Timings: Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 ...

Formulation Scientist will be responsible for formulation needs across the product portfolio to drive the best total value proposition for the company, in addition to supporting product scale up at ...

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Formulation Science information

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How much do formulation science jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation science in the United States is $22.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Formulation Scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, typically supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with analytical instruments, laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and regulatory compliance (such as GMP or FDA guidelines) is essential. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you innovate and collaborate efficiently on product development. These qualifications ensure the safe, effective, and regulatory-compliant creation of new products in industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food science.

How much does a formulation Scientist make?

A formulation scientist's average salary typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in pharmaceuticals or cosmetics can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and health insurance.

How much do Pfizer formulation scientists make?

Pfizer formulation scientists typically earn an average salary ranging from $80,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in pharmaceutical formulation can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000. Compensation may also include bonuses and benefits related to research and development environments.

What is the difference between Formulation Science vs Pharmaceutical Chemist?

AspectFormulation SciencePharmaceutical Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D departments, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, research centers, pharmaceutical companies
Industry UsageDesigning and developing drug formulations, improving delivery methodsDeveloping and analyzing chemical compounds, quality control

Formulation Science focuses on creating and optimizing drug delivery systems and formulations, while Pharmaceutical Chemists primarily develop and analyze chemical compounds used in medications. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often work in overlapping environments within the pharmaceutical industry, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and application.

What do you need to be a formulation Scientist?

To become a formulation scientist, a bachelor's degree in chemistry, pharmacy, chemical engineering, or a related field is typically required, with many roles preferring a master's or Ph.D. for advanced positions. Strong knowledge of chemistry, materials science, and laboratory skills are essential, along with experience using formulation and analytical tools. Good problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment are also important.

What is formulation science?

Formulation science is the discipline focused on combining different chemical substances to create products with specific properties and functions, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and household products. Formulation scientists work to ensure that the combination of ingredients is stable, effective, and safe for the intended use. They also optimize the physical, chemical, and sensory characteristics of the final product. This field is critical in industries where product performance and quality are essential to consumer safety and satisfaction.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in Formulation Science, and how can they be addressed?

Formulation Science professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Successfully addressing these issues requires strong problem-solving skills, close collaboration with analytical chemists, and diligent documentation. Regular testing and iterative reformulation are common, so adaptability and attention to detail are essential. Working in cross-functional teams with R&D, quality assurance, and manufacturing also helps mitigate challenges and ensures successful product development.

What does a formulation Scientist do?

A formulation scientist develops and optimizes the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or food items to ensure stability, efficacy, and safety. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and use tools like chromatography and spectroscopy, often working in laboratory settings with a focus on quality control and regulatory compliance.
More about Formulation Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Formulation Science jobs? Cities with the most Formulation Science job openings:
What states have the most Formulation Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Formulation Science jobs include:
Infographic showing various Formulation Science job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,488 per year, or $22.8 per hour.
Senior Scientist Skin Care Product Formulation

Senior Scientist Skin Care Product Formulation

Marykay

Lewisville, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Create and optimize unique skin and color cosmetic formulations that meet specific benefits and market-driven needs.

  • Provide hands-on formulation support, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis during product development and scale-up.

  • Provide technical mentorship and day-to-day guidance to junior and mid-level scientists.


Job description

Job Summary:
Under limited guidance, responsible for creating unique skin and color cosmetic formulations that deliver on specific benefits and market-driven needs. Leverage knowledge of the scientific principles of formulation, ingredient chemistry, and industry trends to conduct all facets of product development. Ability to independently conduct development work requiring a thorough knowledge of cosmetic formulation, application of advanced technical knowledge and demonstrated successful stability. Works with agility in an increasingly ambiguous environment to execute formula development from design through scaleup for multiple formulation projects. Serves as a technical leader in formula development for new product development and uses critical thinking to resolve development issues. Demonstrated agility to flow to the work and ability to manage multiple projects with limited supervision. Partner across the organization to lead new formula development from the bench to finished goods with limited supervision.
About the Role:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Technical Leadership & Expertise
  • Apply strong understanding of skin care and personal care formulation chemistry, raw materials, processing parameters, and equipment design to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in skincare, sun care, and SPF/OTC formulations, with the ability to deep dive into complex technical challenges.
  • Provide hands-on formulation support, troubleshooting, and root-cause analysis during product development, and scale-up.
  • Lead and contribute to special technical projects, leveraging creativity and scientific insight to drive innovation.
  • Ensure technical rigor and best practices are applied throughout the Product Development lifecycle.

Product Development & Project Ownership
  • Interpret project requirements and translate them into technically sound, scalable, and compliant formulations.
  • Partner cross-functionally with internal and external project partners to ensure seamless product execution.
  • Support scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing readiness for new and existing products.

Mentorship & Team Leadership
  • Provide technical mentorship and day-to-day guidance to junior and mid-level scientists, supporting skill development and scientific decision-making.
  • Foster a collaborative laboratory environment focused on learning, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.
  • Support prioritization of work and effective use of laboratory resources to meet business timelines and objectives.
  • Act as a technical role model, promoting scientific excellence and accountability.

Growth Mindset & Continuous Improvement
  • Drive innovation in formulations, workflows, and development processes.
  • Identify opportunities for process optimization and operational efficiency in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
  • Stay current on industry trends, raw materials, formulation technologies, cost considerations, and consumer/retail insights.
  • Lead and model proactive problem-solving with a sense of urgency and ownership.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Experience:
Required Education & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of experience or Master's degree with 6+ years of experience in cosmetics, personal care, and/or OTC product development.
  • Degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Extensive hands-on experience formulating skincare, body care, personal care and SPF products.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting scale-up environment.

Technical & Professional Skills:
  • Strong working knowledge of FDA regulations and Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and Good Laboratory Practices (cGLP).
  • Advanced understanding of formulation science, raw materials, processing, and stability.
  • Proven troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Proven written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across functions.
  • Strong mentoring skills.