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Senior Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TekWissen LLC

Formulation Chemist

Middletown, VA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Scientist II - Chemistry / Formulation Chemist Location: Middletown, VA - 22645 Duration: 6 Months ... Monday to Friday 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM Summary We are seeking a senior Chemist to assist our clients ...

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Senior Formulation Chemist information

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$87.7K

$148K

How much do senior formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior formulation chemist in the United States is $87,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior Formulation Chemist vs Formulation Chemist?

AspectSenior Formulation ChemistFormulation Chemist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, or related field; 3+ years experienceBachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field; entry-level to 2 years experience
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, production lines, R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical, cosmetics, food, and chemical industriesSimilar industries, often as entry or mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Formulation Chemist and a Formulation Chemist lies in experience and responsibility. Senior Formulation Chemists typically have more years of experience, handle complex formulations, and may oversee projects or junior staff. Formulation Chemists are often entry to mid-level roles focused on developing and testing formulations under supervision. Both roles are essential in R&D and manufacturing within chemical-related industries.

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

To thrive as a Senior Formulation Chemist, you need a strong background in chemistry or chemical engineering, typically with an advanced degree and experience in product formulation. Proficiency with laboratory instrumentation, analytical techniques (such as HPLC or GC), and familiarity with regulatory compliance systems is crucial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These skills ensure the development of high-quality, compliant products and successful collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.

What are Senior Formulation Chemists?

Senior Formulation Chemists are experienced scientists who design, develop, and optimize chemical formulations for products in industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and cleaning products. They are responsible for creating stable and effective mixtures by selecting appropriate raw materials and evaluating product performance. In addition to laboratory research, they often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and ensure compliance with industry regulations and quality standards.

How does a Senior Formulation Chemist typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during product development?

A Senior Formulation Chemist often works closely with teams such as R&D, quality assurance, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs throughout the product development process. They may participate in project meetings to discuss formulation challenges, provide technical expertise on ingredient compatibility, and ensure that formulations meet both performance and regulatory standards. Collaboration is key to troubleshooting issues, scaling up production, and delivering products that align with customer and business needs. Effective communication and teamwork are essential in this dynamic environment, as chemists must translate complex scientific concepts for colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
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Senior Formulation Chemist jobs near you
Senior Formulation Chemist- Cosmetics

Senior Formulation Chemist- Cosmetics

Bayport Laboratories LLC

Houston, TX

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

POSITION PURPOSE
The Senior Formulation Chemist at Bayport Laboratories develops and optimizes innovative cosmetic products, focusing on color cosmetics, skin care, and hair care. This role formulates new products from concept, refines existing formulations, performs testing and analysis, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians. The Senior Chemist works closely with and reports to the R&D Lab Manager to ensure project milestones, quality standards, and compliance with cGMP and the company’s Quality System are met.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Formulate and reformulate cosmetic products, including color cosmetics, skincare, and hair care, from concept to production-ready formulas.
• Optimize existing formulations for performance, stability, texture, and color payoff.
• Conduct stability, compatibility, and performance testing in accordance with established protocols.
• Lead color matching, shade development, and innovative product concepts using advanced formulation technologies.
• Operate, maintain, and perform calibration checks on laboratory instruments.
• Mentor and provide day-to-day technical guidance to laboratory technicians, ensuring proper procedures and high-quality results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, regulatory, and QA/QC, to support product documentation, ingredient selection, and formula proposals.
• Maintain accurate records of active R&D projects, formulation trials, and laboratory results.
• Support customer programs by tracking progress, reviewing specifications, and ensuring project milestones are met.
• Assist the R&D Lab Manager in scaling laboratory formulations to pilot or production batches, troubleshooting issues, and validating processes.
• Uphold strict adherence to cGMP and ISO 22716 standards, maintaining accurate laboratory documentation and ensuring compliance.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in line with company and regulatory guidelines.
• Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence within the lab team.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education / Certification:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, or Cosmetic Science
• Additional certifications in cosmetic formulation or regulatory compliance are a plus
Required Knowledge:
• Expertise in cosmetic formulation principles, particularly for color cosmetics (lipsticks, foundations, powders, eyeshadows)
• Familiarity with formulation of skincare and hair care products (creams, serums, shampoos, conditioners)
• Strong understanding of raw materials, pigments, emollients, surfactants, preservatives, and active ingredients
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and safety requirements, including cGMP, FDA regulations, ISO 22716 (2007), and global cosmetic guidelines
• Understanding of stability, compatibility, and performance testing for cosmetic products
Experience:
• Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience formulating color cosmetics from concept to launch
• Proven experience in developing new formulas from scratch, including selecting ingredients, defining texture, color payoff, and performance characteristics
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing existing formulations to improve stability, performance, or cost efficiency
• Track record of collaboration with cross-functional teams (marketing, packaging, QA/QC, regulatory) to deliver innovative products

Skills & Abilities:
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify formulation issues and implement solutions efficiently
• Ability to lead and mentor formulation teams, guiding less experienced chemists through complex projects
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple product development timelines simultaneously
• Strong communication skills, able to present technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Creativity and innovation mindset to develop cutting-edge products that meet market trends and consumer expectations
Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.