R&D Chemist

About rhode: rhode is a line of curated skincare essentials. Formulated for a variety of skin types and needs with high performance ingredients, it’s a daily routine that nourishes your skin barrier over time.

rhode is seeking a Research & Development Chemist, who is well versed in formulating personal care products, to join the team and play an integral role in formulating innovative products for our business. Reporting to the Director of Research and Development, you will be responsible for research, formulation, and managing cross-functional team projects.

Please note: We are assessing talent up to senior level

Primary Responsibilities

Independently work on formulation projects based on product briefs provided by Product Development team

Make batches of formulation projects

Create formula revisions based on feedback from testing team

Adjust batches as needed to meet formula specification requirements

Maintain clear and accurate records of formulations, procedures, observations and results

Prepare and log samples for submission

Calculate appropriate specification ranges and create CofAs for formulas

Conduct stability testing and keep accurate records

Order raw material samples and maintain raw material storage room

Request raw material documentation from vendors and maintain documents organized in shared folder

Maintain formulation software

Prepare bulk to be sent out to third party testing laboratories as needed

Validate other chemist’s formulas

Contribute to routine laboratory housekeeping and day-to-day operations of the laboratory

Calibrate lab equipment

Supervise scale up batches at Contract Manufacturers, providing instructions and recommendations as needed

Communicate with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams as needed

Assist other lab staff as needed

Qualifications

Bachelor’s in Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent

5+ years’ experience working as a formulation/bench chemist in a personal care formulation laboratory. Experience formulating OTC products - nice to have.

Must have experience using mixers, homogenizers, viscometers, and pH meters

Strong knowledge of the following:

Functionality of raw materials used in personal care formulations

Ingredient listing

Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)

Experience maintaining a formulation software or database required (formula breakdown and entry of raw materials, including CAS, INCI, and cost information)

Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.) or Google Workspace

Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to independently manage multiple priority projects

Must be a critical thinker and have strong problem-solving skills

Agile and comfortable working in fast paced environment

Must have strong communication skills and ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience

Willing to travel to contract manufacturer sites and supervise scale up batches as needed

Office Requirement:

5 days a week in our Lab in Santa Monica, California

Compensation:

$100,000 - $150,000

rhode, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The Company recruits, hires, trains, promotes, pays, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Company also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities in accordance with all legal requirements. Any applicant who requires assistance with the application or resulting process should contact People & Culture () to request that accommodation.