Senior Chemist (Pearl River, New York)

OLAPLEX, Inc. (Nasdaq: OLPX) is an innovative, science-enabled, technology-driven beauty company. We are founded on the principle of delivering effective, patent-protected and proven performance in the categories where we compete. We strive to empower our consumers to look as beautiful on the outside as they feel on the inside. We believe every person deserves to have healthy, beautiful hair, whether they are visiting a salon or caring for their hair at home.

OLAPLEX has been able to achieve phenomenal growth and we continuously seek exceptionally talented individuals who can support our innovation and creativity. Collaboration and flexibility are at the core of our commitment to each other and to the success of OLAPLEX.

About the Role:

The Senior Chemist is responsible for all steps of formula development from ideation to final formulation. Primary responsibilities will be the innovation of new products and managing new development and reformulations in the hair care category. The ideal candidate will need to demonstrate formulation and innovation skills in the hair care category.

The successful candidate should be an experienced practitioner excited by hands-on laboratory work in a dynamic R&D environment in the cosmetics industry, with broad skill set and experience in hair care formulations The work enables development and commercialization of new products, qualification of starting materials, and helps ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance of the innovation portfolio and the base business.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop new formulas and reformulate existing products under manager's direction

• Conduct stability testing (i.e. tracking physical stability, packaging compatibility etc.) update results charts, and summarize data for review at each test period)

• Submit samples to testers, follow up, and obtain approvals

• Prepare PTI for all approved new formulations, including formula, process, specification sheet, and stability report. Attend manufacturing trial runs of products and work with technical team

• Understand, follow, and adhere to project cost objectives and timelines developed for each project. Follow requirements of the new product development process and follow through with action plans to meet the goals and timeline of the project. Track project timelines to ensure targets are achieved

• Search and evaluate new interesting raw materials for future projects

• Interact with raw material vendors and other industry representatives to further expand on the understanding of their products, technologies, and services. Utilize professional relationships to further expand and bring appropriate technologies in house

• Monitor competitors' patents and try to avoid infringement and communicate with Legal team closely to apply patent if needed

• Engage in and utilize external research organizations to develop new technology for transfer to the R&D department via presentation and/or reports

• Seek out and read industry literature as it relates to new assignments and technologies

• Initiate continuous improvement plan when requested/necessary

About You:

• Sc. or M.Sc. degree in Organic Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or similar - or equivalent experience on the job

• 5 to 10 years laboratory experience with strong background in hair care cosmetic formulation and product development

• Scientific rigor and curiosity with a bias towards practical work in the lab

• Ability and desire to apply a broad range of Analytical techniques and methods to meet the needs of the R&D team with agility

• Passion for exploring out of the box ideas and proactively developing new and innovative ideas for the product pipeline

• Strong team player with the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional partners in the innovation process (regulatory, safety, innovation, supply chain)

• Passion and willingness to mentor / guide more junior team members

• Strong adherence to process, GDP, lab safety and gold standard industry practices

We'd love to have you apply, even if you don't feel you meet every single requirement. What's most important to us is finding authentic and accountable people who feel connected to our mission and values, not just candidates who check off all the boxes. We are looking for someone who will bring all their expertise, learn, and grow with us.

Our Total Rewards:

The annual base pay for this position is $86,700 - $120,000 with eligibility for an annual bonus. The actual base pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, years of relevant experience, skill level, functional expertise, certificates or other professional licenses held and geographic location.

• Competitive compensation

• Work/Life Balance: Flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays, and flexible work schedules

• Wellness: Company Contribution to Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance for Employees and their Families, Company Paid Employee Life Insurance, Optional additional Life Insurance, and Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage Options, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account with Company Reimbursement

• Parental Leave: Up to 18 weeks for all new birthing-parents and up to 10 weeks for all non-birthing new parents

• Financial Well-being: Roth and 401k plans: 100% match up to the first 4% and is immediately vested

• Professional Development Reimbursement Program: Career development is as important to us as we know it is to you!

• Culture: Our team has an "attitude of gratitude" and a shared passion for our brand. Join our culture committee and/or DE&I champion team to play a role in building and sustaining our "secret sauce"

• Recognition: We celebrate our peers and colleagues with our monthly 'Hero Recognition and Awards' program. Make a difference as a 'Bond Builder' and/or 'Commendable Creative!'

• Products: Twenty (20) free products per year, plus a friends and family discount

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

At OLAPLEX, we support and stand up for our community with our talent, content, messages, and product offering. We strive to build and nurture a culture where a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is instinctive. Our deep sense of passion and pride in what we do, both as individuals and as a company, unifies our shared commitment to 'do well and do good'. We recognize and celebrate different ideas, perspectives, and backgrounds and know they create a stronger and more creative work environment.

OLAPLEX is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.