A Research and Development Chemist studies chemical compounds and uses research to support the development of products, including manufactured products, or processes, including industrial processes.
We are thrilled to announce the expansion of Garcoa's Innovation Foundry at our Calabasas headquarters! We aren't just expanding a department; we're building a dedicated space for Applied Innovation to redefine personal care and beauty standards. To support this growth, we are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Innovation Chemist —a creative builder who thrives at the intersection of bench science and emerging consumer trends. The ideal candidate will have a strong, hands-on background in cosmetic chemistry, with a focus on technology in skincare, haircare, body care, hot pours, and home goods. You will play a critical role in executing new formulations, developing innovative products, and translating forward-thinking trends into physical prototypes.
Key Responsibilities:
Execute Innovative Formulation:
Design, develop, and bench-test high-performance "head-to-toe" formulations across multiple personal care categories.
Balance Creativity and COGS:
Collaborate on turning blue-sky innovation concepts into mass-market viable products, respecting Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) targets during development.
Support Daily Lab Operations:
Perform daily lab activities, including precise sample processing, raw material evaluations, and processing product development requests.
Testing & Quality Control:
Conduct rigorous stability, compatibility, and QA/QC testing on new formulations, making technical adjustments to meet strict quality and shelf-life standards.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with Management, Product Development, Regulatory, and Production teams to ensure accurate product specifications and seamless manufacturing scale-up.
Apply Green Chemistry Concepts:
Incorporate emerging technologies, sustainable ingredients, and green chemistry initiatives into everyday formulation tasks.
Rigorous Documentation:
Maintain highly organized laboratory notebooks, documenting all phases of R&D including exact formulation procedures, test reports, and raw material data.
Technical Communication:
Provide clear communication and technical feedback to internal departments and support client requests as needed.
Requirements & Qualifications:
Experience:
Minimum of 3 to 5 years of hands-on experience in "head-to-toe" formulation, with a track record of supporting products from bench concept to a high-volume marketplace.
Education:
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline is preferred, but a proven ability to create without limits at the bench is highly valued.
Technical Proficiency:
Deep expertise in cosmetic laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and standard laboratory instrumentation.
Industry Knowledge:
Familiarity with cosmetic regulatory standards, OTC guidelines, and industry software tools (such as The Good Face Project platform).
Problem Solving:
Strong analytical skills with the ability to work independently on formulation projects while remaining highly collaborative in a fast-paced environment.
Communication:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively share technical findings with internal teams and stakeholders.
Pay:
$90,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance
