Research And Development Specialist

Job Description

Role & responsibilities

Job Title: R&D Formulations Specialist Natural Skincare

Location: Deonar / Panvel
Job Type: Full-time
Experience: 7–15 years in cosmetic or skincare formulation development (preferably natural/clean beauty)
Industry: Skincare / Cosmetics / Personal Care

About Us

We are a well-established organization with over 60 years of expertise in the petrochemical and specialty chemical industry, now expanding into a new division focused on natural skincare formulations. With a strong foundation in quality and innovation, we are entering the natural skincare space to develop high-quality, safe, and effective products using natural and sustainable ingredients. As we build this new R&D capability from the ground up, we are looking for a hands-on and experienced R&D Formulations Specialist to help set up our formulation lab, build the core team, and lead product development initiatives.

Role Overview

The R&D Formulations Specialist will be responsible for setting up the R&D laboratory, assisting in the hiring of relevant scientific and technical staff, and leading the formulation of skincare products (creams, lotions, serums, gels, balms, cleansers, etc.). This role involves developing prototype formulations, making trial batches, conducting stability and compatibility testing, and supporting scale-up for commercial production.

This is a foundational role for our skincare venture and requires someone who is technically strong, creative, and excited to build things from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Setup & Team Building

• Establish a fully functional R&D lab including equipment selection, procurement, vendor management, and lab process setup.
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), formulation documentation templates, and QC guidelines.
• Assist in recruitment and training of R&D team members such as formulation chemists, lab technicians, and QC analysts.

Formulation Development

• Develop innovative skincare formulations using natural, plant-based, and clean-label ingredients aligned with brand goals.
• Create prototype formulations and conduct lab-scale trial batches for internal evaluation.
• Conduct stability, texture, compatibility, and performance testing of formulations.
• Work with regulatory and QA teams to ensure compliance with cosmetic regulations (BIS, FDA, GMP, etc.).

Product Development & Testing

• Optimize formulations based on feedback, cost targets, sensory properties, and ingredient availability.
• Maintain accurate formulation records and batch documentation.
• Collaborate with packaging team to evaluate packaging compatibility.
• Oversee pilot batch scale-up and coordinate with manufacturing for production transfer.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with marketing and branding teams to support claims, product positioning, and ingredient benefits.
• Work with procurement to evaluate and approve raw materials and ingredient suppliers.
• Support creation of technical product documents such as COAs, MSDS, PIFs, ingredient rationale, etc.

Qualifications & Skills

Education:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or related field.

Experience & Skills:

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in cosmetic or skincare formulation, preferably with natural/organic products.
• Strong understanding of emulsions, gels, serums, balms, surfactants, actives, preservatives, and pH systems.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance, ingredient safety, and clean beauty standards.
• Experience in lab setup, stability testing, documentation, and GMP practices.
• Strong innovation mindset with ability to develop new and unique formulations.
• Good communication and documentation skills.

Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial mindset with willingness to work in a startup environment.
• Problem-solving attitude and ability to work with limited resources.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
• Passionate about skincare, formulation science, and ingredient innovation.

Why Join Us?

• Play a foundational role in building our skincare R&D function from ground zero.
• Opportunity to influence product strategy and create a portfolio of signature products.
• Collaborative, innovation-driven work environment.
• Competitive compensation and growth potential.

How to Apply

Send your CV, portfolio of formulations (if available), and a brief note on your experience with natural ingredients to hr@unicornpetro.co.in.

Preferred candidate profile

More Info

Education