Job Description

Position Overview:

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Chemist to join our Research & Development / Quality team, with a strong background in Home Care and Personal Care product formulation and manufacturing. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing, testing, and improving products such as detergents, cleaning agents, cosmetics, toiletries, and personal hygiene products within the FMCG sector.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop, formulate, and optimize new products and improve existing formulations in the Home Care category (detergents, dishwashing liquids, surface cleaners, fabric conditioners, air fresheners, disinfectants) and/or Personal Care category (shampoos, soaps, body wash, lotions, creams, hair care, oral care).
Conduct bench-scale trials, stability studies (accelerated & real-time), and compatibility testing of raw materials and finished products.
Perform physicochemical testing (pH, viscosity, density, foam height, turbidity, color, odor) as per SOPs and quality standards.
Evaluate raw materials, surfactants, actives, fragrances, and packaging materials for suitability and cost-effectiveness.
Scale up formulations from lab to pilot to full production scale, coordinating with manufacturing/production teams.
Troubleshoot formulation, process, and quality issues arising during production or from customer/market feedback.
Ensure all formulations comply with regulatory requirements (local regulatory bodies, GHS, REACH, INCI listing, MSDS/SDS preparation) and internal quality standards.
Maintain accurate documentation including formulation records, test reports, batch manufacturing records (BMR), and technical data sheets (TDS).
Support cost optimization initiatives by identifying alternative raw materials or process improvements without compromising quality.
Conduct competitor benchmarking and market analysis to support new product development (NPD).
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Procurement, Production, and Regulatory Affairs to support product launches.
Assist in setting up and validating test methods and analytical procedures.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety protocols, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), and quality management systems (ISO 9001/22716).
Support internal and external audits (customer audits, certification bodies) as required.

Education:

Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.

Experience:

3–8 years of relevant experience as a Chemist/Formulation Chemist in the FMCG industry, with a strong focus on Home Care and/or Personal Care products.
Proven track record of successful product development and launch experience is preferred.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of surfactant chemistry, emulsions, formulation science, and raw material functionality.
Hands-on experience with laboratory instruments (viscometers, pH meters, spectrophotometers, stability chambers, etc.).
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks relevant to home & personal care products (GHS, REACH, local cosmetic/detergent regulations, INCI nomenclature).
Understanding of manufacturing processes and scale-up procedures.
Knowledge of quality standards and certifications (ISO 9001, ISO 22716/GMP for cosmetics).
Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) for documentation and data analysis.