Cosmetics R&D: Junior Formulation Chemist in Lab

Australian Private Label; Botany Bay; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Australian Private Label in Botany, NSW, is seeking a creative, practical R&D Laboratory Assistant or Junior Formulation Chemist to join our product development team. This full-time, on-site role offers hands-on experience across cosmetics, personal care, household products and wellness, turning concepts into commercial formulations.

You will work with R&D, QA and Manufacturing to develop, test and document formulations, maintain records, and contribute to scale-up processes from lab to

Qualifications

• Experience or education in formulation, chemistry, cosmetic science, pharmaceutical science, food science or a related discipline.
• Previous experience in product development or laboratory work, ideally within cosmetics, personal care, household products, supplements or a related manufacturing environment.
• A sound understanding of formulation principles, ingredient functionality and product quality.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to maintain clear, accurate technical records.
• Practical problem-solving skills and a willingness to test, learn and refine.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A professional, collaborative approach and the confidence to work with different departments.
• Initiative, curiosity and a genuine interest in product innovation.
• Full working rights in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Review internal and client product briefs and provide formulation recommendations.
• Develop effective, commercially viable formulations in line with product briefs, target costs and manufacturing requirements.
• Prepare, evaluate and document laboratory-scale batches and product samples.
• Research emerging ingredients, technologies, product formats and market trends, presenting relevant opportunities to the R&D Manager.
• Review and reformulate existing products to improve performance, stability, manufacturing processes, appearance, texture or cost.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, formulation documentation, specifications and sample-tracking information.
• Coordinate testing requirements, including stability and packaging compatibility testing.
• Work closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, Quality Control and Manufacturing teams to troubleshoot formulation and production issues.
• Support the scale-up and handover of newly developed products from laboratory concept through to full commercial production.
• Assist with investigating out-of-specification products, manufacturing challenges and technical customer enquiries or complaints.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, raw materials and work areas are maintained in a clean, safe and organised manner.
• Follow all relevant quality, safety and Good Manufacturing Practice procedures.

Skills

Formulation principles

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Project management

Communication skills

Collaboration

Initiative / curiosity

Education

Education in formulation, chemistry, cosmetic science, pharmaceutical science, or related discipline

Tools

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Australian Private Label in Botany, NSW, is seeking a creative, practical R&D Laboratory Assistant or Junior Formulation Chemist to join our product development team. This full-time, on-site role offers hands-on experience across cosmetics, personal care, household products and wellness, turning concepts into commercial formulations.

You will work with R&D, QA and Manufacturing to develop, test and document formulations, maintain records, and contribute to scale-up processes from lab to