Formulation Chemist / Technician (Cosmetics R&D) (Cambridge)

WHO WE ARE Strand Research is a biotechnology startup dedicated to developing and optimizing novel molecules for consumer applications, with a primary focus on hair. Positioned at the crossroads of science and beauty, our mission is to address the most significant challenges in hair care faced by consumers today. We are committed to innovation driven by rigorous data and relentless pursuit of efficacy, creating solutions that will set new industry standards and redefine what is possible in hair care. Our lab is based in Kendall Square and we have secured substantial funding, providing us with several years of runway to bring groundbreaking ingredients to market.

We are at a stage of rapid growth, and looking for results-driven, high octane, resourceful individuals who thrive in a fast-paced, high intensity environment.

THE OPPORTUNITY We’re looking to hire an experienced Formulation Chemist / Technician to join the R&D Formulations team. In this role, you will be responsible for developing a wide variety of haircare formulations incorporating our proprietary ingredients.

Experience with personal care or cosmetics formulation is required.

This individual will: Support the development of high-performance haircare formulations in accordance with project briefs and technical guidance Perform formulation, testing, and documentation activities while ensuring adherence to project timelines and milestones Contribute to scale-up efforts by preparing samples, capturing process parameters, and supporting pilot-scale or manufacturing trials Support formulation handoff to Product Development or external manufacturing partners through clear documentation and sample preparation. Follow good laboratory practices while maintaining detailed and accurate records of samples, analyses, ingredients, and results, demonstrating traceability and repeatability through organized documentation and reporting. Create and maintain product ingredient lists, formulation documents and final specifications for finished formulations. Calibrate, organize, and order equipment and ingredients as needed to perform project and investigatory tasks. Interface with external ingredient suppliers for sampling, ordering and maintaining technical records and inventory of raw materials. Stay apprised of beauty and wellness market trends, as well as formulation techniques, ingredients, and regulations to inform new product formulation and development

WHO YOU ARE You are an experienced personal care formulator with at least 1-2 years of industry experience in a hands-on role in the personal care industry. Knowledge of surfactant and emulsion systems is a must. B.S. or higher in cosmetic science or related fields is required. You have a strong understanding of the beauty and wellness customer and a proven ability to translate consumer needs into novel products. You have a solid working knowledge of industry ingredients and processing methodologies and formulation best practices. You are an independent problem solver with a passion for creating products that people love, consistently thinking out of the box and taking the initiative to take the next step without instruction. You have strong project management and organizational skills, with an ability to create structure in ambiguous situations. You can balance multiple projects at once and prioritize tasks based on project needs. You are a hard worker with a high level of accountability. You hold yourself to high standards but also expect those around you to ask well.. You believe good enough never really is good enough. You want to always improve, both personally and professionally. You are adaptable and a team player, willing to go the extra mile and jump in on ad hoc tasks to support the overall company growth.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION This position is hiring for an immediate start This position is in-office 5 days a week in our Cambridge, Massachusetts office