R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions)

Our client is a diversified company specializing in pet care products, real estate development, and hospitality services. Their commitment to innovation and quality drives them to provide a wide range of products that enhance the well-being and happiness of pets and their owners. Their product line includes pet foods, supplements, grooming tools, and household pet care products. Additionally, they are actively involved in real estate development, focusing on mixed-use properties that cater to both residential and commercial needs. In the hospitality sector, they operate hotels, resorts, and timeshare properties, emphasizing exceptional customer experiences and service. Currently, they are looking to add an R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions) to their team.

Salary/Hourly Rate:

$95k – $110k DOE

Position Overview:

The R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions) will apply advanced scientific expertise to create safe, effective, and market-leading products in the pet care industry. This role will lead the formulation development process for innovative and enhanced chemical pet products, guiding them from concept through commercialization. The primary focus of the R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions) will be on flea and tick control solutions, including topical drops, shampoos, sprays, and collar formulations, designed for companion animals.

Responsibilities of the R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions):

• Manage all aspects of chemical pesticide formula development from ideation to first production with minimal oversight.
• Identify and develop new innovations and technologies by working closely with cross-functional teams, as well as raw material suppliers and contract manufacturers, to meet the needs of Marketing, Consumers, and their pets.
• Work with the Procurement team on securing and approving new sources of ingredients to incorporate into both new and existing formulations to increase value and maintain or enhance product quality.
• Evaluate ingredient changes and/or formulation enhancements by developing stability testing protocols and reviewing chemical analyses performed.
• Monitor the progress of multiple laboratory formulation projects to ensure alignment with budgets and timelines.
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to convey R&D test results, challenges, project status, and timing.
• Determine finished product specifications and develop batching procedures.
• Partner with Analytical R&D and Biological Sciences to ensure all appropriate product evaluations and third-party tests are completed.
• Guide the development and launch of new and improved products through the scale-up process and successful commercialization.
• Provide brand support for assigned products.
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Regulatory teams to evaluate and assess the feasibility of new product ideas.
• Serve as a member of the Docket team for label review and approval.
• Create and update new and existing SOPs as needed.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

Required Experience/Skills for the R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions):

• Prior experience and knowledge of shampoo and/or skin care ingredients in health products.
• Demonstrated ability in formulation development, stability testing/studies, and establishing specifications for both ingredient and finished products.
• Hands-on experience with basic formulation laboratory equipment, including pH meters, mixers, viscometers, balances, moisture analyzers, and density meters.
• Experience in scientific computations and record keeping, including maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks.
• Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) product regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Strong problem-solving skills with a proven ability to analyze challenges, develop effective solutions, and implement them.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Experience with formulation software.
• Ability to travel as needed to manufacturing facilities and industry/professional meetings.

Preferred Experience/Skills for the R&D Scientist – Pet Care (Flea and Tick Control Solutions):

• Experience developing topical, shampoo, spray, and collar pet formulations.
• Familiarity with EPA requirements for pesticide registrations.
• Experience working with insecticides, specifically for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes.
• Knowledge of surfactant chemistry is a plus.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Entomology, Animal Science, or related field with 7 years of experience in pesticide formulations. 
• Master’s degree in one of the same or closely related fields with 5 years of experience in pesticide formulations.

Benefits:

• 401(k) program with a 5.5% match, vested immediately.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Work-life balance initiatives, including paid parental leave.
• Competitive compensation and 401(k) match with immediate vesting.
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life & Disability Insurance.
• Generous PTO, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and other perks.
• A casual and pet-friendly work environment. You can bring your pet to work.

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EOE/M/F/D/V/SO