Senior Associate - R&D

thedeconstruct.in; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 800,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

thedeconstruct.in in Bengaluru seeks a Senior Associate – R&D to lead end-to-end skincare formulation development and ensure timely, scalable product launches. You will work across departments to optimize formulations, manage stability studies, and drive product quality from concept through commercialization.

The role involves collaborating with manufacturers and internal teams, maintaining documentation, and contributing to product pages and marketing materials while staying within budget and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cosmetic Technology, Pharmacy, Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related discipline.
• 2+ years hands-on experience in skincare or cosmetics formulation development.
• Experience with third-party manufacturers or contract development partners.
• Ability to manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously while meeting timelines and quality expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end formulation development for new product launches and renovations as per calendar.
• Develop stable, high-performing skincare formulations through evaluation and optimization.
• Coordinate with manufacturers and vendors from concept to commercialization.
• Prepare technical documents and support regulatory and artwork approvals.
• Provide scientific and technical support for customer queries and product pages.

Skills

Formulation development

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Stability testing

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Cosmetic Technology or related

Job description

Job Description: Senior Associate – Research & Development (R&D)

We're a D2C skincare brand built on one belief — safe, sensible, honest skincare. No fairy-tale marketing. No filler ingredients. Just actives that work. We're looking for a passionate and execution-focused Senior Associate – R&D who shares our commitment to developing innovative, science-backed skincare products that deliver real results.

What you'll own

• Lead end-to-end formulation development for new product launches and existing product renovations, ensuring timely execution as per the product launch calendar.
• Develop stable, high-performing skincare formulations through ingredient evaluation, formulation optimization, and compatibility studies.
• Coordinate with third-party manufacturers, formulation partners, and vendors to drive product development from concept to commercialization.
• Ensure successful pilot batches and commercial scale-ups with minimal formulation, raw material, or packaging-related challenges.
• Conduct and monitor accelerated stability, freeze-thaw, compatibility, and long-term stability studies to ensure product quality and performance.
• Collaborate closely with Brand, Supply Chain, Procurement, Packaging, Quality, Regulatory, and Customer Service teams to deliver products on time and in full.
• Prepare technical documentation, formulation records, product specifications, and support regulatory and artwork approvals.
• Provide scientific and technical support for customer queries and create technical content for product pages, marketing campaigns, blogs, labels, and educational materials.
• Develop products within the target cost defined in the product brief while identifying opportunities for cost optimization without compromising quality.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, monitor raw material availability, and ensure adherence to laboratory safety standards and SOPs.
• Drive continuous improvement by adopting new formulation technologies, participating in technical trainings, and improving development processes.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cosmetic Technology, Pharmacy, Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related discipline.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience in skincare, cosmetics, personal care, or pharmaceutical formulation development.
• Strong understanding of emulsion systems, active ingredients, formulation science, stability testing, and product commercialization.
• Experience working with third-party manufacturers, formulation consultants, or contract development partners.
• Ability to manage multiple NPD projects simultaneously while meeting timelines and quality expectations.
• Excellent cross-functional collaboration, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability with a keen eye for detail and product quality.
• Experience in active-based skincare formulation development will be an added advantage.
• Based in Bangalore or willing to relocate.

What We Offer

• Compensation: Competitive compensation aligned with industry standards and experience.
• Growth: Opportunity to work on innovative skincare products from concept to launch while collaborating directly with leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Culture: Fast-paced, collaborative, science-driven, and ownership-focused environment with ample opportunities to learn, innovate, and grow.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATION

• Experience in D2C skincare, beauty, cosmetics, or FMCG brands will be preferred.
• Hands-on experience with formulation scale-up and commercialization is highly desirable.
• Candidates with a strong passion for skincare innovation, emerging ingredients, and consumer-centric product development will be given preference.