Principal R&D Formulation Chemist

Rochester Midland Corporation, a leading manufacturer and global supplier of specialty chemicals is searching for an experienced Principal R&D Chemist for its Food & Beverage division located in Rochester, NY.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Principal R&D Formulation Chemist is responsible for developing new products and improving existing formulations for the company's product line. This role involves research, experimentation, and testing to create formulations that meet quality standards and regulatory requirements. The Principal R&D Formulation Chemist collaborates closely with product line managers, quality assurance and production to ensure formulations align with customer needs, company goals and industry trends.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and optimize formulations for new products
• Create product prototypes and samples
• Improve or modify existing formulations to enhance performance, stability, cost-effectiveness or customer needs
• Analyze product performance and stability, identify and troubleshoot formulation issues as needed
• Conduct laboratory tests, stability studies, and evaluations on formulations to ensure they meet company standards
• Prepare technical reports and documentation on formulation methods, procedures and results
• Assist with managing field trials, pilot studies and panel tests
• Assist with scale-up from development to production quantities
• Enter new product formulas into Vicinity Manufacturing Software
• Provide input to the QA Laboratory Manager to develop Statistically Valid, Customer Driven QA Specifications
• Collaborate with EH&S teams to ensure products meet regulatory and safety requirements
• Advise product line manager of compatible packaging options for formulations
• Research new ingredients, raw materials, and technologies to incorporate into formulations
• Perform market and competitor analysis to identify potential areas for formula innovation and advancement
• Document all research, testing, and formulation processes accurately
• Provide experimental direction and mentoring to junior staff members
• Perform similar, comparable, or related duties as may be required by RMC management

EDUCATION/ SPECIAL LICENSES OR CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Chemistry

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in formulation development (10-15 years), preference for experience in water treatment or food cleaning and sanitation industries

SKILLS:

• Strong understanding of organic and inorganics chemistry, laboratory practices and formulation techniques
• Experience with analytical methods such as HPLC, GC, IR or other laboratory instrumentation is preferred
• Awareness of potential hazards and proper handling of chemicals and materials in the lab

COMPETENCIES:

• Technical Expertise
• Innovation and Creativity
• Attention to detail
• Analytical and Critical Thinking
• Project management
• Collaboration
• Problem Solving

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Visual acuity necessary to utilize a computer monitor throughout the course of a normal workday
• Ability to perform repetitive keyboarding activities and operate general office equipment.
• Extra hours and some travel may be required

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES: Employee shall be familiar and comply with all safety policies and procedures of the company.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.