Senior R&D ChemistOnsite Role at our Warehouse in Somerset, NJ.
About the RoleScentbird is building out a formal R&D function for the first time. The Senior R&D Chemist owns formula-based product innovation across both the Scentbird and Drift brands - most of the current R&D workload sits on the Drift side, but this role isn't brand-exclusive. Reporting to the Senior Director of Technical Innovation & Engineering alongside the Device Engineer, you'll set feasibility on new platforms, own supplier relationships for new formula technology, and build the R&D infrastructure that doesn't exist here yet.
What You'll Be Responsible For- Own formula R&D across all products, device-based and non-device
- Own product innovation for non-device platforms - technology and vendor discovery, capability evaluation
- Approve/reject technical feasibility on formula-only platforms
- Partner with the Device Engineer on device-based platforms as a joint feasibility gate
- Set technical requirements and capability parameters for new formula technologies before Product Development designs around them
- Own supplier relationships for new base formula technology (e.g. Firmenich, Cosmo), then hand off to Product Development for ongoing olfactive work
- Partner with Product Development on olfactive sign-off
- Own long-term effectiveness validation for functional products (e.g. cleaning efficacy)
- Review existing product portfolio to identify opportunities to improve olfactive performance through technology and formula enhancements
- Discover and evaluate new raw materials to improve olfactive performance
- Establish formal R&D processes and SOPs where none currently exist
- Source new suppliers and technologies that fit the brand portfolio
- Spec requirements for Scentbird's future dedicated R&D lab
What We'll Love About You- A builder - you're comfortable creating a function, not just running one
- Confident holding a technical line under commercial pressure
- Strong cross-functional collaborator - engineering, creative, supply chain, quality
- Hands-on and curious - you test rather than assume
- Thinks in terms of production scale, not just the bench sample
What You'll Need to Have- Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related field
- 7+ years of formulation/R&D experience in fragrance, home care, air care, personal care, or adjacent CPG
- Direct experience managing fragrance house or formula-supplier relationships
- Experience setting technical feasibility criteria for new product platforms, ideally including device-based systems
- Strong track record partnering cross-functionally with engineering and product development
- Comfortable building process where none currently exists
What You'll Love About Us- Competitive base compensation
- Bonus program
- Paid Time Off and Work From Home
- Volunteer Time Off
- Wellness Days
- 401k with Company Match
- Medical, Dental, Vision, and Commuter Benefits
- Flexible Spending Accounts, as well as Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Complimentary Scentbird Membership
- A fun, creative and energetic work environment
