Senior R&D Chemist; Cosmetics

Position: Senior R&D Chemist (Cosmetics)
** Senior Research & Development Chemist*
* ** Kelly Science & Clinical*
* Kelly Services® has been providing outstanding employment opportunities to the most talented individuals in the marketplace. We are proud to partner with an innovative personal care and OTC products organization to offer an exciting opportunity for a  
** Senior Research & Development Chemist** . This role is ideal for an experienced formulation scientist who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-driven environment and enjoys bringing products from concept through commercialization.

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* Location:

** Onsite (Miami, FL)

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* Schedule:

** Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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* Employment Type:

** Direct Hire

** Compensation:**  $80k-$110k

** Position Overview*
* The Senior Research & Development Chemist is an experienced researcher and formulator responsible for developing innovative personal care, cosmetic, and OTC products (including sunscreens and anti-acne products). This role combines deep technical expertise with creativity, leadership, and strong communication skills to deliver market-ready formulations that meet customer and regulatory requirements.

** Key Responsibilities*
* + Initiate project concepts, define objectives, assign priorities, and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision

+ Independently investigate and resolve formulation, research, and scale-up challenges

+ Develop personal care, cosmetic, and OTC formulations from concept through finished product

+ Communicate directly with customers on technical, regulatory, and performance-related topics

+ Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, cGMPs, and applicable product development standards

+ Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities, including raw material optimization

+ Lead scale-up of approved formulations and identify critical process variables

+ Troubleshoot production issues and address batch variability

+ Set product specifications and author compounding and manufacturing procedures

+ Supervise and coordinate pilot and production batches

+ Provide documentation for new formulas and raw materials to Operations and Quality teams

+ Collaborate with QC to support testing and approval of new ingredients and finished goods

+ Conduct vendor research and evaluate new raw materials

+ Compose and review ingredient lists, QQs, and artwork for accuracy and compliance

+ Interpret laboratory results, assess product risk, and communicate findings to Sales and leadership

+ Stay current on retail market trends, formulation technologies, and ingredient innovations

+ Train, mentor, and supervise laboratory staff (permanent and temporary)

+ Perform additional duties as assigned

** Required Skills & Abilities*
* + Advanced formulation expertise and strong technical knowledge

+ Thorough understanding of FDA regulations and cGMPs

+ Ability to drive creative research and strategic product development recommendations

+ Skilled at translating consumer insights into actionable formulation solutions

+ Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines

+ Methodical, data-driven approach to experimentation and problem solving

+ Experience managing external suppliers and vendors

+ Self-motivated, independent, and collaborative work style

+ Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

+ High level of initiative, innovation, critical thinking, and attention to detail

+ Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with all organizational levels

+ Demonstrated leadership and mentoring capabilities

+ Proficiency with Microsoft Office

** Required Education & Experience*
* + Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Physical Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field with  
** 8+ years
** of personal care formulation experience
** OR*
* + Advanced degree in Cosmetic Chemistry or related discipline with  
** 6+ years
** of relevant experience

** Preferred Qualifications*
* + Master's or PhD in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

+  
** 10+ years
** of experience formulating personal care and cosmetic products

** Why Kelly Science & Clinical?*
* At Kelly, we connect top scientific talent with meaningful opportunities where they can make an impact. We offer dedicated recruiter support, access to industry-leading clients, and opportunities to advance your career in science and innovation.

** Apply today to join a team where your formulation expertise helps shape the next generation of personal care and OTC products.*
* ** P1*
* As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a…