R&D Chemist – Cosmetics & Personal Care

Location: Gladesville, Sydney
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Tuesday–Thursday in office, Monday & Friday WFH)
Salary: $120,000 + 12% superannuation

About the Opportunity

Advance HR is partnering with a leading global brand in the cosmetics and personal care industry to recruit an experienced Research & Development (R&D) Chemist. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in developing innovative formulations that delight consumers while meeting rigorous quality and regulatory standards.

The successful candidate will contribute to the creation of safe, effective, and market-leading products — from concept through to launch — while working alongside a talented cross-functional team.

Key Responsibilities

Develop, optimise, and scale-up formulations for new and improved products.

Conduct stability, compatibility, efficacy, and regulatory testing to ensure product quality and compliance.

Identify and evaluate raw materials, technologies, and emerging trends for potential use.

Provide technical expertise across product development, manufacturing, and quality troubleshooting.

Partner with marketing, packaging, and regulatory teams to deliver projects on time and to specification.

Prepare technical documentation, including product specifications, ingredient listings, and claims support.

Ensure compliance with international cosmetic regulations (e.g., TGA, EU, FDA).

Contribute to innovation pipelines with creative product concepts, including sustainable and clean-label solutions.

About You

To thrive in this role, you will bring a mix of technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Essential qualifications and skills:

Degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, or related discipline.

Proven experience in product development within cosmetics, personal care, or related industries.

Strong formulation skills, with experience conducting lab-based testing and analysis.

Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable attributes:

Knowledge of EU cosmetics regulations and/or GMP.

Experience with SharePoint and statistical process control.

Customer-focused with a proactive and innovative mindset.

Why Apply?

This role offers the opportunity to:

Enjoy a flexible hybrid work model (3 days in office, 2 days WFH).

Work on innovative, high-quality formulations for a respected international brand.

Join a supportive and collaborative environment that values creativity and technical excellence.

Contribute to sustainable and consumer-driven product innovation.

How to Apply

If you’re a passionate R&D Chemist ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.