Role Overview: The Principal Formulation Chemist will lead research and discovery activities across Wilbur-Ellis' full portfolio of brandedplant nutrition products, active ingredients, and adjuvants. This role is responsible for developing new technologies, exploring novel formulation strategies, and advancing early-stage concepts into robust prototypes.
Working in a dedicated R&D environment, the chemist will drive innovation through experimental design, mechanistic studies, stability and compatibility analysis, and hands-on formulation science. This position partners closely with product management, sales enablement, marketing, regulatory, EHSS, and operations to translate scientific insights into differentiated, commercially viable solutions.
This is a unique scientific role for someone who thrives on discovery, creativity, and pushing technical boundaries in plant science and agricultural chemistry.
A Sample of What You'll Do in this Role: Research & Discovery- Lead exploratory research for plant nutritionals, actives, and adjuvants, identifying novel formulation approaches and emerging technologies.
- Conduct mechanistic and physicochemical studies to understand ingredient functionality and interactions.
- Perform compatibility, stability, and functionality testing to support early-stage concept development.
Formulation & Product Development- Design and optimize advanced formulations for branded plant nutrition products, EPA registered active ingredients, and adjuvants.
- Develop lab-scale prototypes and conduct iterative testing to refine performance, shelf life, and field utility.
- Evaluate new raw materials, delivery systems, surfactants, carriers, and stabilizing technologies.
- Generate high-quality analytical data and interpret results into actionable recommendations.
- Support competitive benchmarking by evaluating third-party technologies and industry trends.
Cross-Functional Collaboration- Work with marketing, field sales, portfolio management, regulatory, and EHSS to advance concepts toward commercialization.
- Provide scientific insight during early feasibility, labeling considerations, and regulatory strategy discussions.
- Develop technical training materials for internal teams and support field education when needed.
Laboratory Management- Assist daily lab operations, ensuring accurate data collection, equipment readiness, and safe working practices.
- Assist and lead sample management, including sample preparation and shipping and receiving of research samples.
- Foster a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, and hands-on experimentation within the innovation lab.
What You Bring to the Role: - A bachelors degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related field.
- 2+ years expertise in agricultural chemistry, ideally spanning fertilizer and plant nutrition, biologicals, active ingredients, and adjuvant technologies.
- Experience with biotechnology, plant metabolites, biochemical modes of action, and signaling compounds.
- Strong understanding of physical chemistry, colloidal systems, surfactants, solvents, emulsions, chelation, and controlled-delivery systems.
- Proven ability to design experiments and troubleshoot issues related to stability, compatibility, and performance.
- Familiarity with active ingredient behavior, adjuvant interactions, and nutrient uptake mechanisms.
- Experience in R&D or applied research environments; pilot-scale formulation experience a plus.
What Makes You a Great Fit: - You are scientifically curious, inventive, and passionate about discovery.
- You're an analytical thinker with strong attention to detail and experimental discipline.
- You communicate effectively and collaborate well across technical and non-technical teams.
- You're a self-starter who can lead projects independently and manage multiple priorities.
- You are committed to maintaining the highest standards of laboratory safety and scientific integrity.
Compensation and Benefits: - In compliance with all states and cities requiring transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from $115,400 - $161,620. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience.
- This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, and retirement plan participation, including an employer contribution of up to 7% into your 401(k). Follow this link for more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis employee benefits: https://mywebenefits.com/
Please note that salary ranges provided for this role on external job boards are salary estimates made by outside parties and may not be accurate.
