Junior R&D Specialist / Entry-Level Formulation Technician

About the Role

We are a growing company looking for an eager, detail-oriented Junior R&D Specialist to grow with us. In this role, you won't just be running routine quality checks, you will be learning how to develop industrial degreasers and cleaners from the ground up. If you love the practical side of chemistry, enjoy researching raw materials, and want to see the products you test in the lab get manufactured into large-scale production batches, this is the perfect entry-level opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulation Support: Assist in blending, testing, and developing heavy-duty industrial cleaners and water-based degreasers using supplier-provided starting formulas.
• Product Optimization: Work on "deformulation" projects—analyzing the pH, viscosity, and density of existing products on the market to help us optimize or create cost-effective alternatives.
• Stability & Lab Testing: Perform daily laboratory bench work, including accelerated stability testing (monitoring samples in heating ovens and refrigerators), freeze-thaw cycles, and performance trials.
• Technical Writing & Documentation: Draft clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and step-by-step blending instructions for our factory floor operators. Maintain organized, highly accurate laboratory notebooks and batch logs.
• Supplier Coordination: Reach out to chemical distributors and manufacturers to request raw material samples (surfactants, solvents, builders) and technical data sheets.

Education & Skills We Look For

• Education: Associate Degree (A.S.) or Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Technology, Material Science, or a closely related scientific field.
• Experience: 0 to 2 years of laboratory experience. (Academic lab experience from your coursework or a college lab assistant role counts!).
• Strong Math Skills: Comfortable with basic laboratory calculations, metric-to-imperial unit conversions (e.g., grams to pounds, liters to gallons), and percentage adjustments.
• Technical Writing: Ability to write clear, structured, and easy-to-follow technical summaries and instructions.

Preferred

• Any exposure to surfactant chemistry, industrial blending, or safe handling of acids and alkalines.
• Familiarity with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and basic chemical laboratory safety protocols.

Flexibility & Compensation

We understand that transitioning into a new career or balancing life can be a challenge. As a small, agile company, we are highly flexible on both hours and pay.

Whether you are managing an unconventional schedule or looking to align your hours with specific personal needs, we are open to discussing part-time-to-full-time transitions, flexible daily shift hours, or tailored weekly schedules.

Compensation will be competitive and directly commiserate with any unique skills, previous lab exposure, or academic background you bring to the table.

Pay: From $32.00 per hour

Expected hours: 20.0 – 30.0 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person