R&D Specialist

Job Purpose Develop and test cosmetic and cosmeceutical formulations at lab scale, run stability and quality tests, and prepare the technical documentation needed to transfer each product to Purex’s toll manufacturers, under the direction and approval of the R&D Manager.

Key Responsibilities

1. Formulation & Lab Development

• Formulate and prepare lab-scale prototypes (emulsions, gels, serums, cleansers, shampoos/conditioners, sun care) according to the technical concept approved by the R&D Manager.
• Run trial iterations and adjust formulas to meet the target pH, viscosity, appearance, sensory profile and cost; record every trial in the lab notebook.
• Carry out benchmarking tests against competitor products (physical, sensory and in-use comparisons) and report findings.
• Prepare samples for internal evaluation, Marketing review and consumer-use panels.

1. Testing & Stability

• Set up and execute stability studies (accelerated and real-time) per the approved protocol; perform scheduled pull-point checks (pH, viscosity, colour, odour, separation, packaging interaction).
• Perform routine physicochemical tests and maintain/calibrate basic lab equipment (pH meter, viscometer, balances, homogenizer, stability chambers).
• Coordinate sample dispatch and follow-up with external labs for microbiology, challenge testing, patch testing and claim-support studies; compile results.
• Flag any out-of-trend or failing result to the R&D Manager immediately with a short technical assessment.

1. Technical Documentation

• Draft the product technical package for Manager approval: master formula, manufacturing instructions, critical process parameters, finished-product and raw-material specifications.
• Prepare INCI lists, ingredient percentages, and supporting data (stability reports, safety data, COAs/MSDS/TDS) for the registration technical file.
• Maintain the formula database with version control, and keep lab records complete, traceable and confidential.

1. Raw Materials

• Collect and file supplier technical documents (TDS, MSDS, COA, allergen and regulatory statements) for every ingredient used.
• Test samples of new or alternative raw materials in existing formulas and report compatibility and performance.
• Check ingredient use levels against the permitted/restricted lists in force and highlight any compliance concern to the Manager.

1. Scale-up Support at Toll Manufacturers

• Attend pilot and first commercial batches at toll-manufacturing sites; verify that the process follows the approved manufacturing instructions and record observations.
• Take and evaluate batch samples against specifications and report deviations to the R&D Manager.
• Support the investigation of formula-related technical complaints with lab testing and retained-sample checks.