Chemist (Cosmetics) - 410897

Atrium; Village of Spring Valley (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k)

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Additional benefits

Job summary

Atrium is seeking a Chemist (Cosmetics) to lead formulation efforts for powder-based and color cosmetic products in a fast-paced environment. The role involves developing and refining formulations, evaluating raw materials, and supporting scale-up for production.

You will collaborate with marketing, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, packaging, and corporate research to meet project timelines and quality standards, maintain notebooks, and communicate results to stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years hands-on cosmetic formulation or R&D experience.
• Foundational knowledge of powder technology (pigments, binders, dispersions).
• Understanding of emulsions and anhydrous systems.
• Familiarity with GLP, GMP, FDA guidance and regulatory considerations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine cosmetic formulations (powder, emulsion, anhydrous).
• Lead projects from concept to development, including shade extensions and reformulation.
• Evaluate materials and processing methods to improve aesthetics, stability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with customers to define requirements and troubleshoot.
• Document findings and present progress to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on cosmetic science trends and ingredient technologies.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support product development and launch.
• Maintain laboratory records and adhere to R&D standards.

Skills

Cosmetic formulation

Powder technology

Emulsion systems

GLP/GMP/FDA knowledge

Project coordination

MS Word & Excel

SAP

DEVEX

Communication

Analytical reasoning

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry

Bachelor's in Biology

Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering

Related science field

Tools

SAP

DEVEX

Excel

Word

Job description

Client Overview

Our client is a consumer products company that specializes in cosmetics and personal care products. They are currently seeking a

Client Overview

Our client is a consumer products company that specializes in cosmetics and personal care products. They are currently seeking a Chemist (Cosmetics) who can operate in a very fast-paced environment.

Salary/Hourly Rate

$55k - $65k

Position Overview

The Chemist (Cosmetics) will lead technical efforts in formulating, innovating, and scaling powder-based and/or color cosmetic products, with occasional support for emulsion and anhydrous developments. This role requires collaboration across teams in a fast-paced setting.

Responsibilities Of The Chemist (Cosmetics)

• Develop and refine cosmetic formulations, including powder-based, anhydrous, and emulsion systems, in alignment with project specifications and customer objectives.
• Execute formulation projects from concept through development, including new product innovation, shade matching and extensions, reformulation, and performance enhancement.
• Identify and evaluate raw materials, formulation approaches, and processing methods to improve product aesthetics, functionality, stability, and manufacturability.
• Work with customers to establish product requirements, address formulation challenges, assess product attributes, and recommend solutions that meet technical and brand expectations.
• Communicate development progress and technical findings through laboratory demonstrations, prototype reviews, written reports, and presentations to internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor developments in cosmetic science, ingredient technologies, and market trends, particularly those related to powders, emulsions, and anhydrous formulations.
• Partner with teams across marketing, manufacturing, quality, regulatory, packaging, and corporate research to support successful product development and commercialization.
• Perform initial stability assessments on new and existing formulations, interpret results, and adjust formulas as needed to improve product consistency and durability.
• Maintain and update formulation records within DEVEX, ensuring compliance with established procedures, documentation requirements, BPM communication practices, and R&D standards.
• Support alignment of global research practices by coordinating with corporate applied research teams on testing procedures, technical data, and standardized development processes.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory notebooks, batch documentation, and project records, communicating project status and development progress to the direct supervisor.
• Balance competing project deadlines and changing priorities while responding effectively to evolving customer needs and internal business requirements.
• Assist with additional laboratory, research, and departmental activities as needed.

Required Experience/Skills For The Chemist (Cosmetics)

• Approximately 1-3 years of hands‑on experience in cosmetic formulation, product development, or a related laboratory‑based R&D function.
• Foundational knowledge of cosmetic formulation principles, particularly powder technology, including pigments, binders, dispersions, and powder processing methods.
• Understanding of emulsion and anhydrous formulation systems.
• Familiarity with cosmetic ingredients, colour cosmetics, and applicable laboratory and manufacturing practices, including GLP, GMP, FDA guidance, and international regulatory considerations.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑moving R&D setting where project requirements, deadlines, and priorities may change.
• Strong organisational and project coordination skills, with the ability to oversee multiple formulation assignments concurrently.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel; familiarity with SAP, DEVEX, and other formulation or technical software.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to document technical findings, present results, and communicate with customers.
• Strong analytical reasoning, mathematical aptitude, troubleshooting ability, and attention to detail.
• Collaborative and adaptable working style, with a professional approach to laboratory work and cross‑functional partnerships.

Preferred Experience/Skills For The Chemist (Cosmetics)

• Experience developing colour cosmetics, particularly pressed powders, loose powders, pigments, and other powder‑based formulations.
• Exposure to cosmetic product scale‑up, manufacturing trials, or transferring laboratory formulations into production.
• Familiarity with cosmetic stability testing, raw material evaluation, and formulation optimisation to improve product performance and shelf life.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or another related scientific field is required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k).
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Paid holidays.
• Additional benefits available.