R&D Laboratory Assistant / Junior Formulation Chemist at Australian Private Label

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

R&D Laboratory Assistant / Junior Formulation Chemist at Australian Private Label in Botany, NSW, AU.

This Full time on site position offers great opportunities for career growth. Australian Private Label (APL) is seeking a creative, practical and highly organised R&D Laboratory Assistant or Junior Formulation Chemist to join our product development team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems, experimenting with new ideas and helping turn product concepts into commercially viable formulations. Working across cosmetics, beauty, personal care, household products, supplements and wellness, you will contribute to the development of new products as well as the improvement and reformulation of existing products.

Key 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.

About you

• 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.

Why join APL?

You will join a fast-moving Australian product development and manufacturing business where you can work across a diverse range of products and contribute throughout the complete development journey—from the initial idea and laboratory sample through to commercial manufacturing. This role offers hands-on experience, variety and the opportunity to develop your technical formulation skills within a collaborative and creative laboratory environment.

Job Type: Full-time
Application Question(s): What are your salary expectations?
Work Authorisation: Australia (Preferred)
Work Location: In person