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Senior Formulation Chemist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We offer a variety of fields to embark in, including manufacturing, engineering, quality, chemistry ... The Senior Formulation Technician should be someone with a keen interest in life sciences or drug ...

The Role The Sr. Surface Chemist will advance our CMP slurries through fundamental studies of formulation chemistry, material surface characterization, and their interactions with semiconductor ...

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 ...

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Senior Formulation Chemist information

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$35K

$87.7K

$148K

How much do senior formulation chemist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 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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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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,733 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Sr. Scientist, Downstream and Biologics Formulation Development

Sr. Scientist, Downstream and Biologics Formulation Development

Avid Bioservices

Tustin, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Looking to join a passionate team dedicated to developing and manufacturing life-saving biopharmaceuticals? Avid Bioservices is a leading clinical and commercial biologics CDMO focused on creating innovative solutions to meet the needs of our clients and improve patient outcomes.
Your Role:
Avid is seeking a highly motivated and technically strong Sr. Scientist, Downstream and Biologics Formulation Development to lead biologics formulation development while contributing to integrated downstream process development within a fast-paced, client-facing environment. This role is responsible for defining formulation strategies, executing technical studies, and supporting cross-functional integration as the capability expands. Additional responsibilities include designing downstream purification processes for protein-based biologics, viral clearance studies, scale-down and scale-up activities, and technology transfer to manufacturing. The individual will collaborate closely with Cell Line Development, Upstream Process Development, Analytical Sciences, MSAT, DS/DP Manufacturing, Program Management, and external partners to support client programs.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead formulation development for biologics, including pre-formulation assessments, excipient screening, and stability studies. Demonstrated experience in formulation development for complex biologic modalities-including antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)-with understanding of modality-specific stability and developability challenges is highly advantageous.
  • Lead downstream process development for biologics, including capture chromatography, polishing chromatography, viral inactivation/filtration, and tangential flow filtration (TFF).
  • Extensive hands-on experience with analytical techniques for protein characterization, including DLS, DSF, SEC, CE, rheology, and spectroscopy. Design and interpret analytical testing strategies including HPLC (SEC & IEX), CE-SDS, SDS-PAGE, UV spectroscopy, and other biophysical assays to support process development and formulation studies.
  • Expertise in developing high concentration protein formulations and resolving issues such as aggregation, viscosity, and solubility. Able to identify and mitigate formulation risks including precipitation and chemical degradation.
  • Design experiments, analyze data, and prepare technical protocols, reports, and development summaries.
  • Establish and drive scientific strategy, workflows, and best practices for early- to late-stage biologics formulation development, with the ability to operate independently in a dynamic, fast-paced, client-facing environment with evolving priorities.
  • Serve as a technical subject matter expert (SME) in client engagements, including proposals, presentations, and project reviews; prior line management or informal leadership experience is advantageous.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams to align project timelines, priorities, and resource planning.
  • Mentor and develop junior scientists and technical staff, and support onboarding of new team members.
  • Evaluate and implement new technologies and platform approaches to enhance internal capabilities and drive innovation.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable quality, regulatory, and safety standards.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required to support evolving business and project needs.
  • Occasional travel may be required (by land or air) to attend conferences, seminars, off-site client meetings, and marketing events as needed.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Master's degree/PhD degree in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field and minimum 4-6 years of relevant experience and demonstrated working knowledge of scientific principles.
  • Prior experience in formulation development, stability studies, and analytical characterization of biologics or strong background in biochemical and biophysical characterization of proteins with deep understanding of protein structure and function.
  • Experience in development of ultra-high concentration and pre-developability assessment
  • Proven record of strong technical writing and communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ph.D. in Biochemistry, Chemistry, or related field with 4-6 years of industry experience, or M.S. with 6-10 years of experience.
  • Prior experience in formulations process development and/or downstream process development of biologics is a plus.
  • Experience mentoring or leading scientific staff preferred.
  • Candidates with strong expertise in either biologics formulation development or downstream process development will be considered, with opportunities to contribute across both areas.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
This role is a full-time onsite position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm PST unless otherwise stated by Supervisor. The employee must also have the ability to work overtime and/or weekends when necessary.
Compensation:
We offer competitive compensation packages for this role, including a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
The compensation range for this role is $147,200-$184,000annually depending on experience and qualifications. Additionally, we offer opportunities for career growth and development as well as a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Who you are:
  • You have a "bring it on!" team player approach and an unshakable positive attitude, always ready to tackle anything that comes your way.
  • Your written and verbal skills are out of this world, and you communicate with clarity and confidence.
  • You have exceptional multitasking skills and an unparalleled attention to detail that ensure the smooth running of everything.
  • You are a master at building relationships, capable of establishing connections with anyone, be it team members, clients, vendors, or suppliers.
Physical Demands & Work Environment:
In this dynamic role, expect a blend of regular activities like sitting, standing, and walking, with occasional physically engaging tasks such as lifting objects up to 25 pounds. The work environment might expose you to electrical shocks, toxic chemicals, vibrations, or loud noise levels occasionally. However, reasonable accommodations are available to enable individuals with different abilities to perform effectively, ensuring a supportive and adaptable work setting. Your visual acuity, including close, distance, and color vision, will be essential in navigating through the diverse day-to-day demands of this position.
Employment Type: Full-Time