Chemist - Product Development - Inn.Lab R&D

kdc/one•Saddle Brook, NJ

About The Position

KDC is a network of best-in-class custom formulators and manufacturers of color cosmetics, skincare, haircare, bath & body, fragrance, deodorant, home, health, industrial, and auto care products. KDC delivers high-touch innovation, operational excellence, and speed to market to well-known and emerging beauty, personal, and specialty companies from coast to coast. KDC has its head office in Longueuil, Québec. In addition, KDC has 10 operating facilities located throughout North America. Altogether, the company employs nearly 4,800 talented and dedicated employees in North America. Position: Product Development Chemist Research and Development Department: Research & Development Lab Reporting Structure: Director, Research & Development Reporting to this position: No direct reports BASIC FUNCTION The development and formulation of new products based on client specifications and as per issued formulations from Formulating Team.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of chemistry and chemical interactions for personal care, hair care and skin care products.
Professional written and oral communication skills.
Computer literate in Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook.
Attention to detail and analytical thinking, ability to apply general concepts to specific problems to produce positive results.
Must be familiar with laboratory equipment used in the process of creating bench batches.
Exercises independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance with relation to matters of importance within the Research & Development company sector.
Good problem solving and decision making skills. Displays a sense of urgency and initiative with creativity and flexibility.
Able to work in a fast paced environment.
While performing duties of job, employee is occasionally required to stand (for extended periods), stoop, bend, walk and use hands to handle objects, tools and controls, reach with hands and arms; talk and hear Employee will be required to handle chemicals and solvents as required during course of job execution. Employee may be required to move or lift objects up to 10 lbs.
Bachelor of Science or higher in Chemistry and/or a combination of vocational training, education and experience that is equivalent to the employment standards listed above and provides the required knowledge and skills.
A minimum of ten (1-3) years’ experience in a Research and Development Chemist position.
This position is classified exempt.

Responsibilities

Serve as technical lead across Skin, Hair, and Color Cosmetics, driving formulation excellence and cross-category innovation.
Identify white space within the master formula library and develop strategic platform formulas aligned with growth priorities.
Partner with PD to generate breakthrough, trend- and technology-driven concepts and co-author robust technical briefs.
Scout and evaluate new raw materials, actives, and emerging technologies to expand and differentiate the innovation portfolio.
Lead and support performance and claims testing strategies, both internally and in partnership with raw material suppliers, ensuring credible and competitive substantiation.
Review lab submissions and provide structured technical feedback to elevate performance, claims, and competitive positioning.
Support marketing through technical claims development, innovation storytelling, and deck content review.
Represent R&D as the technical expert in key customer meetings and tradeshows, translating formulation science into compelling business value.
Prepare submissions of bench batches for client approvals based on prescribed formulations and product specifications.
Compile and analyze test information to make improvements as needed to reach desired results. Recommend further action based on research data as changes to formulation.
Collect scientific data and communicate technical information to project managers.
Confer with formulators and provide recommendations to improve or customize formulas, processes or analytical methods.
Perform other related duties as assigned.