1

Senior Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Be Seen First

Join a Growing Manufacturing Team We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Paint Chemist ... Utilize formulation software to create prototypes and production batches * Develop and evaluate ...

Be Seen First

Join a Growing Manufacturing Team We are currently seeking an experienced Senior Paint Chemist ... Utilize formulation software to create prototypes and production batches * Develop and evaluate ...

We are partnering with a private-label cosmetics manufacturer in Miami seeking a Senior Chemist to lead formulation work, support laboratory operations, and help clients transform product ideas into ...

Showing results 41-60

Senior Formulation Chemist information

See salary details

$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do senior formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 is a senior formulation chemist?

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.
More about Senior Formulation Chemist jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Formulation Chemist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Formulation Chemist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Formulation Chemist jobs? The most popular types of Formulation Chemist jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Formulation Chemist jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Formulation Chemist jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Formulation Chemist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Formulation Chemist jobs are:
Infographic showing various Senior Formulation Chemist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Senior Associate Scientist (Contract), Formulation Development

Vaxcyte

San Carlos, CA

$56 - $62/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Summary:

Vaxcyte has an exciting opportunity for a highly-motivated and talented individual to join our Formulation Development team. The Senior Research Associate Scientist will play a critical role in the development of innovative protein-polysaccharide conjugate vaccines.
The successful candidate will independently design, execute, and support formulation development activities to advance Vaxcyte's drug product pipeline from early-stage development through clinical studies and commercialization. In this role, the candidate will lead complex experimental studies, including the design of formulation screening strategies, analytical testing, and physicochemical characterization of drug products; support investigations; and contribute to process optimization and technical problem-solving.

Essential Functions:
  • Support and execute the manufacture of complex drug products to support formulation development, analytical development, animal immunogenicity studies, and process development.
  • With guidance, design, plan, and independently perform complex experiments, including troubleshooting and optimization of formulation processes.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental data; clearly communicate findings through presentations in working group meetings and contributions to technical reports and presentations.
  • Analyze samples with biochemical, biophysical and particle characterization techniques, interpret results, and communicate conclusions to the broader team.
  • Prepare buffers, solutions, and reagents to support formulation and analytical activities, ensuring accuracy and consistency.
  • Maintain scientific rigor and ensure detailed, accurate documentation of all experiments conducted.
  • Support and enhance laboratory organization, including bench management, inventory control, and compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
  • Ensure accurate, thorough, and timely documentation of all experimental work in electronic lab notebooks.
  • This position reports into the Formulation Development function and is part of the broader Process Development and Manufacturing group.
  • This position will collaborate with cross-functional groups and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment is essential.
  • Demonstrate agility in both scientific thinking and practical execution; a proactive, solution-oriented mindset is strongly encouraged.
  • This is a lab-based position and requires the ability to stand or sit for extended periods as well as work in biosafety cabinets.
Requirements: 
  • BS degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with minimum 5 years of relevant industry experience, or MS degree with minimum 3 years of relevant industry experience. Experience in vaccine formulation development is a plus.
  • Strong hands-on experience in buffer preparation, formulation development, and laboratory techniques.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design and execute experiments and troubleshoot technical challenges.
  • Proficiency in maintaining detailed and accurate records; experience with electronic lab notebooks (ELN) is required.
  • Experience interpreting complex data sets with data analysis tools (e.g., GraphPad Prism, JMP) and a solid understanding of statistical analysis is preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in pipetting, sample preparation, and data recording.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Proven ability to work effectively in a cross-functional, collaborative environment across multiple projects.
  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated initiative, scientific curiosity, and the ability to contribute strategically within a fast-paced team.
Reports to: Scientist II, Formulation Development 
 
Work Arrangement: Onsite (minimum of 4 days per week)
 
Location: San Carlos, CA 
 
Expected Contract Length: 12months 
 
Hourly Range: $56/hr.- $62/hr. 

Vaxcyte logo

About Vaxcyte

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Biotechnology research and development

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

San Carlos, CA, US

Year founded

2013