Research & Development Manager

About rhode: rhode is a line of curated skincare essentials. Formulated for a variety of skin types and needs with high performance ingredients, it’s a daily routine that nourishes your skin barrier over time.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support R&D Director in research, formulation, and cross-functional team projects
• Independently work on formulation projects based on product briefs provided by Product Development team
• Make batches of formulation projects 
• Prepare and log samples for submission
• Create formula revisions based on feedback from testing team
• Adjust batches as needed to meet formula specification requirements
• Maintain clear and accurate records of formulations, procedures, observations and results
• Calculate appropriate specification ranges and create CofAs for formulas 
• Conduct stability testing and keep accurate records 
• Manage the process after preliminary formula approval ensuring all formula bulk requests are completed
• Issue formula documentation for quotes and technology transfer to CM (Contract Manufacturer) partners
• Review and approve incoming bulk of formulas during technology transfer process
• Support R&D Chemists on troubleshooting formulation challenges
• Manage in-house raw material inventory with the support of the R&D coordinator
• Manage in-house laboratory supplies inventory with the support of the R&D coordinator
• Manage all out-going submissions and keep trackers updated
• Maintain raw material folders with the support of the R&D coordinator 
• Maintain formulation software
• Validate other chemist’s formulas as needed
• Oversee routine laboratory housekeeping and day-to-day operations of the laboratory
• Manage laboratory equipment calibration programs
• Supervise scale up batches at Contract Manufacturers, providing instructions and recommendations as needed
• Communicate regularly with PD, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams to keep cross functional teams updated on project status
• Assist other lab staff as needed

Qualifications

• This position requires 7+ years experience working as a formulation/bench chemist in a personal care formulation laboratory with a proven track record of stable and scalable formulation design ability
• Experience formulating OTC products is required
• Must have experience using mixers, homogenizers, viscometers, and pH meters
• BSc in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent 
• Strong knowledge of the functionality of raw materials used in personal care formulations
• Knowledge in ingredient listing
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) 
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.) or Google Workspace
• Experience maintaining a formulation software or database required (formula breakdown and entry of raw materials, including CAS, INCI, and cost information)
• Must be highly organized and able to independently manage multiple priority projects
• Must have a high attention to detail and proficient in accurate record keeping
• Critical thinking and strong independent problem solving skills
• Agile and comfortable working in fast paced environment
• Must have strong communication skills and ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience
• Willing to travel to contract manufacturer sites and supervise scale up batches as needed

rhode, an equal opportunity employer, is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The Company recruits, hires, trains, promotes, pays, and administers all personnel actions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, ancestry, medical condition, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, genetic information, reproductive health decision making, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Company also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities in accordance with all legal requirements. Any applicant who requires assistance with the application or resulting process should contact People & Culture (hr@rhodeskin.com) to request that accommodation.