Laboratory Lead Scientist

The Lead Laboratory Scientist furthers the Badger mission by providing RDI laboratory oversight and technical leadership, supporting formulation strategy for laboratory‑scale cosmetic and OTC topical products, and ensuring effective day‑to‑day laboratory operations.

 This role combines advanced hands-on formulation work with lab management responsibilities including inventory control, equipment upkeep, lab organization, safety compliance, and workflow coordination. This role provides workflow and technical guidance to Lab & Scale up Technician in everyday laboratory product development activities and bench top formulation.

Responsibilities:

Formulation L& Product Development

• Lead formulation development for natural cosmetic and OTC topical products following direction and process guidance provided by RDI Director.
• Help build experimental designs by minimizing iterations.
• Support formulation strategy, including raw material evaluation, prototype development, and performance optimization.
• Provide guidance to Laboratory & Scale up Technician on scientific methods, formulation best practices, physical chemistry processing and experimental design.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory workflows to enable efficient product development project execution and designate formulation tasks to Lab & Scale up Technician (when available)
• Support RDI Director in troubleshooting challenges related to texture, viscosity, mixing, or ingredient variability.

• Ensure formula stability before pilot manufacturing process and support Quality in product stability after pilots.
• Support in the experimental design and analytical needs for quality investigations
• Perform precise formula math including scaling, percentage-to-weight conversions, and sample estimation for different needs.

• Prepare accurate, reproducible small-scale batches with optimized processing parameters (order of addition,
• mixing speeds, temperatures, shear).
• Assist Regulatory by participating in ingredient and product standard determination.
• Support other activities as needed such as assisting in Scale up, Pilots Tech transfer.

Testing, Analysis & Documentation

• Conduct standard lab analyses including pH, viscosity, structural stability, density, microscopy and organoleptic evaluations.
• Support in designing and standardizing laboratory analysis.
• Interpret results to guide iteration and formulation improvement.
• Maintain detailed batch records, formulation revisions, experimental records, and technical reports.
• Leads focus group internal sensory and efficacy evaluations.

Laboratory Management

• Maintain a highly organized, clean, and safe laboratory environment to support efficient RDI workflows.
• Implement systems for ingredient organization, sample storage, labeling, and equipment placement.
• Execute organization and cleaning tasks in coordination with the Lab & Scale-up technician.

• Oversee raw material and packaging inventory for bench top formulation including tracking, ordering, receiving, and labeling.
• Ensure appropriate storage conditions for temperature and light-sensitive materials. and light sensitive materials.
• Coordinate and execute disposal of expired materials and chemical waste in compliance with regulations.

• Manage laboratory equipment including routine cleaning, calibration, preventive maintenance, and records.
• Manage consumable needs and laboratory supplies

Starting pay is $32/hour; pay is commensurate with experience

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

• 3+ years of formulation experience in cosmetics, natural personal care, OTC topicals, or related fields.
• Hands‑on experience managing laboratory operations or lab resources is highly preferred.

• Expertise in formulation chemistry, emulsions, surfactants, stabilizers, natural preservative systems, and actives. Natural or botanical formulations preferred.
• Proficiency with lab instruments including homogenizers, mixers, pH meters, viscometers, rheometers, and stability chambers.

• Highly organized with strong ownership of lab order and operational efficiency.
• Leadership mindset with collaborative communication style.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to shifting priorities.

Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements for the job include but are not limited to prolonged periods of standing doing lab work. Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times. Employees should be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources