Chemist

Actalent; Edison (NJ); On-site; USD 77,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite work in Edison

Job summary

Actalent in Edison, NJ is seeking a Chemist to develop and optimize OTC and non-OTC personal care formulations, manage multiple R&D projects from concept to sample submission, and collaborate with sales and customers. The role emphasizes maintaining GLP-compliant documentation, mentoring junior chemists, and staying current with cosmetic ingredients and technologies to deliver high-quality bench work.

The position is contract to hire with onsite work in Edison; pay ranges $37–$39/hr, with

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation development and R&D for personal care products.
• Strong chemistry knowledge and formulation expertise for OTC and non-OTC products.
• Experience designing stable base formulations and translating PDRs into formulations.
• Experience interfacing with clients or customers in a technical capacity.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with timelines and GLP-compliant documentation.
• Mentor junior chemists and collaborate with sales teams and customers.

Responsibilities

• Review PDRs with Sales Executives to clarify requirements and ensure project completion.
• Formulate OTC and non-OTC personal care products meeting tech and aesthetic attributes.
• Develop 50–60 new stable base formulations annually.
• Manage multiple R&D projects, prioritizing timelines.
• Prepare lab batches for customer sample submissions and address feedback.
• Perform stability testing and reformulate as needed.
• Stay current with cosmetic ingredients and technologies.
• Optimize formulations for performance, cost, and production efficiency.
• Provide technical support to Sales Executives and customers.
• Document all R&D activities per GLP standards.
• Mentor new hires and coordinate project work.
• Engage with customers to understand requirements and present concepts.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

GLP documentation

Stability studies

Project management

Customer interaction

Mentoring junior chemists

Lab bench work

Job description

Job Title: ChemistJob Description

The Chemist develops and optimizes over-the-counter (OTC) and non-OTC personal care, skin care, hair care, and sun care formulations, ensuring they meet customer technical and aesthetic requirements. This role manages multiple R&D projects from concept through sample submission, collaborates closely with sales and customers, and maintains rigorous documentation in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards. The Chemist stays current with emerging cosmetic ingredients and technologies and plays an active role in mentoring junior chemists to support high-quality, well-executed bench work.

Responsibilities

• Review new Product Development Requests (PDRs) and collaborate with Sales Executives to clarify requirements and ensure successful completion of each project.

• Formulate OTC and non-OTC personal care, skin care, hair care, and sun care products that meet customer-defined technical and aesthetic attributes.

• Design and develop approximately 5060 new stable base formulations annually, leveraging in-depth knowledge of chemical ingredients and cosmetic processes.

• Effectively manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks to meet established timelines and deliver optimal outcomes.

• Prepare lab batches for customer sample submissions according to the lab schedule and reformulate and resubmit samples based on customer feedback.

• Perform and monitor product stability using approved stability protocols and reformulate initial formulas when stability issues arise.

• Stay current with emerging ingredients, technologies, and trends in the cosmetic industry, incorporating innovative solutions into new and existing products.

• Optimize formulations to improve product performance, cost-effectiveness, and production efficiency.

• Provide technical support to Sales Executives and customers, including participation on account teams and teleconferences.

• Maintain thorough and accurate documentation of all R&D activities in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.

• Work closely and collaboratively with new hires and junior chemists, teaching, coordinating, and guiding project work to ensure well-planned bench work and successful sample submissions.

• Engage in direct customer interactions to understand requirements, present new product concepts, and support end-user needs during formulation projects.

Essential Skills

• 4+ years of experience in cosmetic formulation development and R&D, specifically within personal care, skin care, hair care, or sun care products.

• Strong chemistry and formulation expertise, with in-depth knowledge of cosmetic chemical ingredients and processes.

• Proven experience designing and developing stable base formulations for OTC and non-OTC cosmetic products.

• Demonstrated ability to review and interpret Product Development Requests (PDRs) and translate them into effective formulations.

• Experience interfacing directly with clients or customers in a technical capacity.

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting established timelines.

• Proficiency in conducting and interpreting stability studies using approved stability protocols.

• Ability to optimize formulations for performance, cost-effectiveness, and production efficiency.

• Strong documentation skills and adherence to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.

• Effective collaboration and communication skills when working with sales teams, customers, and internal colleagues.

• Capability to mentor and coordinate with junior chemists and new hires on R&D projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous experience presenting new product formulations to customers and end users.

• Background in customer-facing technical support within the cosmetic or personal care industry.

• Interest in staying up to date with emerging cosmetic ingredients, technologies, and industry trends.

• Ability to contribute innovative ideas and solutions to enhance product performance and expand the formulation portfolio.

• Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with global, name-brand customers.

Work Environment

The Chemist works in a laboratory-based environment focused on cosmetic and personal care product development. The role involves frequent bench work, preparation of lab batches, and execution of stability testing using approved protocols and standard laboratory equipment. Work is project-driven with established timelines, requiring effective prioritization and collaboration with sales teams, customers, and internal R&D staff. The environment offers exposure to a broad range of name-brand customers globally and opportunities for direct end-user contact and participation in new product presentations. Professional laboratory attire is expected to support safe and efficient operation in the lab.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Edison, NJ.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $37.00 - $39.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Edison,NJ.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.