Research & Development Chemist / Quality Assurance Specialist - AFAM

AFAM

Position Summary

The Research & Development Chemist / Quality Assurance Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, testing, improvement, and quality control of cosmetic and personal care products. This position works closely with R&D, Production, Quality Control, and other departments to ensure products meet established quality, performance, safety, and regulatory standards.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, scientifically minded, and comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Develop, modify, and test cosmetic and personal care product formulations.
• Conduct laboratory testing of raw materials, formulas, prototypes, and finished products.
• Prepare laboratory batches and production trial samples.
• Evaluate product characteristics including appearance, color, odor, viscosity, pH, texture, stability, and performance.
• Conduct stability and compatibility testing and maintain accurate documentation.
• Troubleshoot formulation and manufacturing issues and recommend corrective actions.
• Assist with scale-up of laboratory formulas to production batches.
• Research new ingredients, raw materials, technologies, and formulation techniques.
• Maintain laboratory records, formulation documents, specifications, and testing results.
• Support product improvement and cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

• Perform inspections and testing of raw materials, bulk products, packaging components, and finished goods.
• Verify products meet established specifications and quality standards.
• Review production records, laboratory results, and quality documentation for completeness and accuracy.
• Assist with investigating product quality issues, deviations, customer complaints, and out-of-specification results.
• Support corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with establishing and maintaining product specifications and testing procedures.
• Monitor manufacturing processes for compliance with established quality procedures and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
• Support internal audits, quality inspections, and regulatory readiness.
• Identify potential quality concerns and communicate issues promptly to management and Production.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, organized, and traceable laboratory and quality records.
• Follow company SOPs, GMP requirements, safety procedures, and applicable cosmetic regulations.
• Assist in preparing documentation for new product development, reformulations, and product approvals.
• Maintain confidentiality of formulas, proprietary processes, and company information.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related scientific field preferred.
• 2–3 years of experience in cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, chemical, or related manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with cosmetic or personal care formulation is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing, raw materials, formulation processes, and quality systems.
• Familiarity with GMP, SOPs, and quality documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to accurately document laboratory and quality testing results.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard laboratory documentation systems.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely handle laboratory equipment and materials.
• Ability to wear required PPE and follow all safety procedures.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move laboratory or production materials as required.

Preferred Experience

• Cosmetic formulation and product development
• Haircare, skincare, body care, or personal care products
• Viscosity, pH, stability, and microbial testing
• Raw material and finished-product specifications
• GMP and quality assurance programs
• Batch troubleshooting and manufacturing scale-up
• Regulatory and product documentation
• Duties as assigned