Senior Scientist Formulation Development

Opella; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 96,550 - 111,516; Full time

Job summary

Opella is seeking a Global Consumer Insights Lead – Rx-to-OTC Switch to translate consumer and market insights into innovative product development across OTC formulations.

You will lead multiple formulation projects from concept through commercialization, collaborate with Marketing, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, and Engineering, and drive studies to ensure safety, stability and efficacy while meeting timelines and budgets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years, Master’s with 3+, or PhD in a related field.
• Background in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or related science.
• Experience in topical formulations and transdermal patches or gels.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% and collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize OTC formulations through hands-on lab work and DOE.
• Translate consumer insights and market trends into new product initiatives.
• Manage multiple formulation projects from concept to commercialization within timelines and budgets.
• Partner cross-functionally with Marketing, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, and Engineering.
• Evaluate emerging scientific trends and formulation approaches for innovation.
• Plan formulation studies to assess safety, stability, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.
• Communicate findings effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders and promote collaboration.

Job description

You’ve built experience, now use it where bold ideas meet real impact. At Opella, we’re challenging how self‑care works for millions of people and need leaders and experts ready to shape what’s next. As a Global Consumer Insights Lead – Rx‑to‑OTC Switch, you’ll bring your skill, your curiosity and your drive to make health simpler, smarter and more human.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize OTC formulations, topical, transdermal patches, and gels through hands‑on laboratory work and application of Design of Experiments (DOE) methodologies
• Translate consumer insights, market trends, and business needs into innovative product development initiatives
• Manage multiple formulation projects from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with timelines and budget expectations
• Partner cross‑functionally with Marketing, Manufacturing, Regulatory, Quality, and Engineering teams to support successful product development and launches
• Evaluate and implement emerging scientific trends, technologies, and formulation approaches to drive innovation and continuous improvement
• Plan and conduct formulation studies to assess product safety, stability, efficacy, and regulatory compliance
• Communicate technical findings and project updates effectively to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders while fostering a collaborative team environment

About You

• Bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience, Master’s degree with 3+ years, or Ph.D. with relevant industry experience
• Educational background in Chemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, Pharmacy, or a related scientific field
• Experience developing topical formulations; including transdermal patches and gels preferably within pharmaceutical and/or OTC products
• Hands‑on experience with transdermal patches, gels, creams, lotions, sprays, liquids, suspensions, and other topical dosage forms
• Familiarity with OTC monographs, formulation tools, and analytical testing methods
• Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities
• Effective communicator and team collaborator with a consumer‑focused mindset and willingness to travel up to 15% as needed

North America Applicants Only

Salary Range

96,550.00 - 111,516.66 USD Annual

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs.

Opella Inc. and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employers committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital, domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, disability, veteran or military status or liability for military status, domestic violence victim status, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.