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Formulation Scientist Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist

Billerica, MA · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Develop characterization methods to enable faster turnaround for material screening, formulation ... Strong background in polymer materials, surface science, interfaces, emulsions, encapsulation ...

Develop characterization methods to enable faster turnaround for material screening, formulation ... Strong background in polymer materials, surface science, interfaces, emulsions, encapsulation ...

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Formulation Scientist information

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How much do formulation scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for formulation scientist in Boston, MA is $40.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.40 and $47.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a formulation scientist?

A formulation scientist designs, develops, tests, and evaluates products. Their job duties involve blending and mixing chemical components to create effective products, often for the pharmaceutical or cosmetics industries. Formulation scientists play an integral role in the product development process by implementing testing procedures, inspecting manufacturing approaches, and creating detailed reports to fix errors and promote improvements. To become a formulation scientist, you need a bachelor’s degree in chemistry or a related field, although many also pursue master’s degrees or a doctorate.

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

To thrive as a Formulation Scientist, you need a strong background in chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or a related field, usually supported by at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques (such as HPLC or GC), and regulatory guidelines is essential, and relevant certifications like Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help distinguish outstanding performers. These competencies are crucial for developing safe, effective products and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

What are some common challenges a formulation scientist faces when developing new products?

Formulation Scientists often encounter challenges such as ensuring product stability, optimizing ingredient compatibility, and meeting strict regulatory standards. Balancing the desired efficacy and sensory attributes of a formulation while maintaining cost-effectiveness can require extensive experimentation and problem-solving. Additionally, working closely with cross-functional teams like analytical chemistry, quality assurance, and manufacturing is essential to address scale-up issues and ensure a seamless transition from lab to production.

What is the difference between Formulation Scientist vs Chemist?

AspectFormulation ScientistChemist
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related fieldsBachelor’s or Master’s in Chemistry or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories focused on product development, formulation, and testingResearch labs, manufacturing, or quality control settings
Industry UsagePharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and chemical industriesBroadly across chemical manufacturing, research, and academia

Formulation Scientists specialize in developing and optimizing product formulations, often working closely with R&D teams to create new products. Chemists have a broader scope, including analyzing substances, conducting experiments, and understanding chemical properties. While both roles require chemistry knowledge and lab skills, Formulation Scientists focus more on product development and application-specific formulations, whereas Chemists may work on fundamental research or quality analysis.

How much do formulation scientists make in the US?

Formulation scientists in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level roles may start lower, while experienced professionals or those with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in pharmaceutical or biotech industries.

What do formulation scientists do?

Formulation scientists develop and optimize the composition of products such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food items to ensure safety, stability, and effectiveness. They use scientific principles, laboratory techniques, and tools like chromatography and spectroscopy to create formulations that meet regulatory standards and consumer needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Scientist jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Formulation Scientist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Formulation Scientist jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Formulation Scientist jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Formulation Scientist jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Formulation Scientist job openings:

Infographic showing various Formulation Scientist job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,991 per year, or $40.9 per hour.

Associate Scientist, Formulation, Pilot Lab

Sail Biomedicines

Cambridge, MA

$95K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Sail Biomedicines is seeking a scientist to advance our lipid nanoparticle (LNP) manufacturing platform for nucleic acid therapeutics. Sail Biomedicines is seeking a highly talented and self-motivated individual to develop and operationalize lipid nanoparticle formulations at pre-clinical and pilot lab scales. The successful candidate will contribute to preclinical pipeline programs, working at interface of manufacturing, formulation science, analytical characterization, and process development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Design, formulate, and characterize lipid nanoparticle (LNP) systems for nucleic acid delivery across preclinical manufacturing and technology development stages.
  • Develop, optimize and operationalize formulation processes and scale-up approaches (e.g., TFF, ultrafiltration)
  • Troubleshoot formulation and process challenges to enhance robustness, reproducibility, and scalability
  • Generate high-quality, reproducible data and maintain thorough documentation in electronic lab notebooks
  • Prepare LNP formulations to support internal research and partner programs
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with analytical, translational and platform teams to advance pre-clincial manufacturing and pilot lab goals
  • Present data and insights clearly to internal teams and contribute to scientific discussions and decision-making

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

  • 4+ years (M.Sc.) or 6+ years (B.Sc.) of relevant industry experience in LNP formulation optimizations and drug delivery with strong background in nucleic acid therapeutics and education in life sciences or engineering (Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering, Biochemistry, etc)
    • Level (Associate Scientist or Scientist I) will be determined based on experience, technical expertise, and demonstrated impact.
  • Hands-on experience in nanoparticle or LNP formulation and characterization
  • Strong understanding of drug delivery systems, particularly for nucleic acid therapeutics
  • Experience with nanoparticle characterization techniques (e.g., DLS, zeta potential, fluorescence-based assays such as Ribogreen, chromatography)
  • Demonstrated ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot experiments independently
  • Strong data analysis, documentation, and communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Familiarity with formulation process technologies (e.g., microfluidic mixers, pumping systems, TFF)
  • Experience supporting in vivo studies or translating formulations from research to preclinical scale

Salary Range: $95,000 - $120,000

Sail Biomedicines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Sail does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.