Senior Chemist – Skincare R&D & Product Launch

Sun Bum; Encinitas (CA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sun Bum in Encinitas, California is seeking a Senior Chemist to drive innovation from concept to commercialization and post-launch analysis. This role collaborates with internal and external teams to bring high‑performing skincare, haircare, body care, and SPF products to market.

You will coordinate across departments, source contract R&D and manufacturers, and maintain supplier relationships to ensure successful launches.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related fields (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering).
• 2–3 years of laboratory/R&D experience.
• Experience formulating with globally compliant sunscreen APIs.
• Experience formulating consumer goods, preferably personal care, and OTCs.
• Demonstrated launching world class products.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; proficient in MS Office.
• Strong teamwork skills.
• Familiar with Coptis and ASANA.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with related departments to develop and launch new or reformulated products.
• Source and qualify Contract R&D and manufacturers for each launch.
• Maintain relationships with key manufacturers and raw material suppliers.
• Conduct periodic research on unique raw materials and inform R&D/Marketing teams.
• Develop, reformulate, and optimize skincare, haircare, body care, and SPF formulations through bench work.
• Evaluate product stability and troubleshoot formulation challenges.
• Maintain lab documentation and batching records for scale up.
• Keep up with industry trends via trade shows and webinars.
• Maintain master formulation Coptis software, dossiers, air tables and tech packs.

Skills

Bachelor’s degree in science

2–3 years laboratory/R&D experience

Formulating with sunscreen APIs

Formulating consumer goods/personal &/

Product launch experience

Excellent written and verbal comms.

MS Office proficiency

Strong teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science or related fields

Tools

Coptis

ASANA

Job description

Sun Bum in Encinitas, California is seeking a Senior Chemist to drive innovation from concept to commercialization and post-launch analysis. This role collaborates with internal and external teams to bring high‑performing skincare, haircare, body care, and SPF products to market.

You will coordinate across departments, source contract R&D and manufacturers, and maintain supplier relationships to ensure successful launches.