Senior Scientist

Kelly Science, Engineering, Technology & Telecom; Dallas, Fort Worth (TX, TX); On-site; USD 115,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full Benefits Package

Relocation Assistance

Job summary

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking a Senior Scientist – Color Cosmetics & Scale-Up for a direct-hire opportunity in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. You will lead formulation development, optimization, scale-up, and commercialization of sunscreen, color cosmetic, and topical products.

Must have hands-on sunscreen formulation experience and 10+ years in related industries. The role requires expertise in UV filters, pigment technology, shade matching, and GMP/GLP compliant development with

Qualifications

• Hands-on sunscreen formulation experience is a must.
• 10+ years of formulation experience in personal care, cosmetics, skincare, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of sunscreen formulation, UV filters, pigment technology, and color science.
• Experience taking formulations from bench development to pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Familiarity with FDA regulations and cGMP requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize sunscreens, foundations, skin tints, BB/CC creams, and other makeup products.
• Lead formulation strategies focused on SPF performance, shade accuracy, aesthetics, texture, and stability.
• Oversee pilot plant and commercial manufacturing trials, process scale-up and tech transfer.
• Provide technical leadership and collaborate across Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Supply Chain.
• Mentor junior scientists and engage in customer-facing technical discussions.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or Engineering

Tools

Laboratory management systems

Job description

Senior Scientist – Color Cosmetics & Scale-Up

Schedule: Monday-Friday | 8:00 AM-5:00 PM

Employment Type: Direct Hire

Benefits: Full Benefits Package + Relocation Assistance

Kelly Science & Clinical is seeking an experienced Senior Scientist – Color Cosmetics & Scale-Up for a direct-hire opportunity with an innovative Research, Innovation & Development organization in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX metroplex.

MUST HAVE: Hands-on sunscreen formulation experience

The Senior Scientist will lead the formulation development, optimization, scale-up, and commercialization of sunscreen, color cosmetic, and topical products. This role is ideal for a senior formulation scientist with expertise in sunscreen, color cosmetics, pigment technology, emulsions, and commercial scale-up.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize sunscreens, foundations, skin tints, BB/CC creams, concealers, primers, tinted moisturizers, serums, lotions, and hybrid skincare/makeup products.
• Lead formulation strategies focused on SPF performance, shade accuracy, coverage, aesthetics, texture, stability, and consumer experience.
• Apply expertise in UV filters, pigment technology, color science, shade matching, pigment dispersion, optical modifiers, emulsions, rheology, and preservation systems.
• Lead bench formulation, raw material evaluation, feasibility studies, and experimental programs.
• Lead pilot plant and commercial manufacturing trials, including process optimization, scale-up, technology transfer, and manufacturing support.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing challenges related to stability, viscosity, pigment dispersion, aeration, filling, preservation, and scale-up.
• Develop product specifications and technical documentation in accordance with GLP, GMP, and company standards.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Supply Chain, and external partners throughout product development and commercialization.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior scientists and participate in customer-facing technical discussions.
• Stay current with emerging technologies, ingredients, competitive products, manufacturing processes, and regulatory developments within sunscreen, color cosmetics, and skincare.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Engineering, or related scientific/technical field.
• 10+ years of formulation experience in personal care, cosmetics, skincare, pharmaceutical, or related industries.
• MUST have hands-on experience developing and formulating sunscreen products.
• Demonstrated experience developing and commercializing color cosmetic and/or topical formulations.
• Strong knowledge of sunscreen formulation, UV filters, pigment technology, color science, shade matching, emulsions, rheology, preservation, stability, and formulation troubleshooting.
• Proven experience taking formulations from bench development through pilot plant and commercial manufacturing.
• Working knowledge of FDA regulations and cGMP requirements.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate effectively across technical and business functions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific or technical field.
• Experience with OTC products and/or medical devices.
• Experience mentoring or managing junior scientists.
• Customer-facing and/or supervisory experience in an R&D environment.
• Familiarity with digital formulation or laboratory management systems.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Direct-hire position with $115K-$135K salary.
• Full benefits package and relocation assistance.
• Technical leadership role with significant involvement in formulation, innovation, scale-up, and commercial manufacturing.
• Opportunity to work across R&D, Manufacturing, Quality, Regulatory Supply Chain, and external customer teams.