Formulation Scientist

Job Title:

Formulation Scientist Job Description This role focuses on developing pheromone-based agricultural formulations that protect crops from damaging insects and deliver meaningful value to growers. As a Formulation Scientist, you will design, develop, and launch innovative formulations, working extensively with polymers and biodegradable materials to create scalable, high-performance products for large-acreage crops. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to move products from concept through laboratory development, field testing, and regulatory support. Responsibilities Design and execute formulation development experiments based on defined project deliverables, including planning experimental work, processing materials, and performing performance analyses. Produce high-quality formulation samples in sufficient quantities to support laboratory and field trials. Prepare detailed protocols, test methods, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support consistent and reproducible formulation work. Document experimental work clearly and accurately by recording data and observations in laboratory notebooks on a regular basis. Compile and communicate results through well-structured scientific reports and presentations, providing clear recommendations to project teams and collaborators. Generate technical data packages and supporting documentation required for regulatory submissions. Actively demonstrate and promote safe laboratory practices and positive safety behaviors in all aspects of the work. Collaborate closely with formulation team members, leadership, and other functions such as Field Development, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Regulatory to achieve project and company milestones. Manage and prioritize multiple formulation projects simultaneously, typically working on 2-3 projects and taking over new product formulations as needed. Identify and resolve key technical hurdles in formulation projects by applying problem-solving skills and scientific judgment. Contribute to the development and optimization of pheromone-based formulations using polymer processing technologies and biodegradable materials. Support technology transfer and scale-up activities by providing technical insights and documentation to internal and external partners. Essential Skills Master's or PhD degree in polymer (science) engineering, physical chemistry, or a related chemical or materials science and engineering discipline. Hands-on laboratory experience with polymer processing technologies such as extrusion, injection molding, and blending. Experience with processing and analysis of biodegradable polymers. Ability to design and conduct experiments, analyze data, and interpret results in a formulation development environment. Proven ability to write clear, concise scientific reports and effectively communicate results and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across functions and with external partners. Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve key project hurdles in a scientific or engineering context. Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize responsibilities and manage multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Capability to work both independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of assigned projects and deliverables. Additional Skills & Qualifications Proficiency in optical microscopy and conventional thermal analysis techniques. Experience with chromatography techniques and polymer analytical instruments such as TGA, DSC, GC, MS, GPC, particle sizers, viscometers, and IR is a plus. Experience working with polymer chemistry, polymer science, and organic chemistry in a formulation setting. Knowledge of formulation of biodegradable materials or related products. Experience working in a start-up or fast-paced environment with tight deadlines is desirable. Comfort working on multiple projects concurrently, including taking over existing product formulations from other scientists. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships across multidisciplinary teams. Motivation to contribute to innovative AgTech solutions that use pheromones to protect major crops. Work Environment This role operates in a dynamic AgTech environment focused on developing pheromone-based solutions for large-acreage crops. The position involves approximately 60-80% laboratory work with the remaining time dedicated to administrative tasks such as documentation, reporting, and meetings. The schedule offers flexibility, typically around 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 or 5:00 p.m., with some potential for work-from-home days for paperwork and administrative responsibilities. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Santa Monica, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $40.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Santa Monica,CA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on May 25, 2026. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.