R&D Technologist / Laboratory Assistant

R&D Technologist / Laboratory Assistant

Laboratory - Cosmetic Industry

Location: Manchester / Salford

Contract Position

Job Purpose
To develop & deliver formulations and samples to support the EU Business in the delivery of New Products
Job context & scope
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Responsible for the development of new NPD and EPD formulations within cost parameters to deliver samples to consumer research supporting brand plans
- Assist R&D Manager to deliver larger projects ensuring delivery of project outputs in line with specified objectives
- Manage technical data required to support production (BOMs, Production Batch Cards, Inspection Plans, DIRs. Support seal process)
- Accountable for project and laboratory data and record keeping
- Responsible for running experiments, recording data and accurately report results. May be responsible for protocol design
- Responsible for sample preparation for sensory evaluation tests and product evaluation tests. Prepare test reports and recommend conclusions
- Maintain practical knowledge of raw material, formulation and manufacturing methods. Able to make recommendations for product improvement or margin improvement.
- Partner cross-functional NPD teams and Brand teams to deliver NPD
- Comply with all laboratory H&S requirements and lab standards. May co-ordinate some areas as defined in objectives

Criteria Essential:
- Lab experience (ideally in a similar FMCG company)
- Excellent organisational skills allowing role holder to plan and organise own workload, typically planning a week ahead, ensuring delivery of agreed objectives in line with commercial requirements.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to work accurately. Clear and accurate recording of experimental data. Data storage according to agreed ways of working and is easily retrievable.
- Strong communication skills with ability to effectively communicate technical results and recommendations within and outside the technical team.
- Understanding of personal wash formulations and raw materials. Knowledge of formulating performance and stability testing. Good understanding of scale up of Personal Wash products.
- Excellent collaborator across the technical team and NPD team.

Desired:
- Degree in a Chemical science or equivalent.
- Working knowledge of UK Cosmetic Regulations and requirements for NPD.
- Formulation knowledge across Personal Care category.
- Ability to turns insights into product ideas and engage marketing teams with high quality presentations to drive innovation that aligns to consumer and customer desires.
- Excellent awareness of consumer expectations of product and market trends.
- Ability to support others by sharing technical knowledge and providing advice.