Remote opportunity at
NutrafolScientist, Personal Care Formulation
Nutrafol is a hair wellness company that develops clinically tested products designed to target the root causes of hair thinning using a patented blend of natural…
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About This Role
Nutrafol is a hair wellness company that develops clinically tested products designed to target the root causes of hair thinning using a patented blend of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. The organization is currently seeking a Scientist for Personal Care Formulation to join its team on a full-time basis. In this role, you will operate as a bench-forward formulator reporting directly to the Director of Personal Care R&D Formulation for…
Job Description
Nutrafol is a hair wellness company that develops clinically tested products designed to target the root causes of hair thinning using a patented blend of natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals. The organization is currently seeking a Scientist for Personal Care Formulation to join its team on a full-time basis. In this role, you will operate as a bench-forward formulator reporting directly to the Director of Personal Care R&D Formulation for Topicals. This position suits an experienced laboratory professional who enjoys hands-on formulation work across both leave-on and rinse-off product categories.
As part of your daily activities, you will create proprietary formulas in-house, assess them against specific clinical performance benchmarks, and manage their scale-up alongside external manufacturing partners. You will also bridge upstream formulation tasks by connecting Nutrafol with the infrastructure and capabilities of Unilever. Responsibilities span raw material management, prototyping, stability and compatibility testing, regulatory alignment, and intellectual property documentation. The position involves routine laboratory operations such as equipment maintenance and inventory tracking, alongside cross-functional collaboration with teams including Quality Assurance, Regulatory Affairs, Clinical, Marketing, and Supply Chain.
Candidates must be able to perform physical laboratory tasks and commute to designated facilities in Trumbull, Connecticut, or New Haven, Connecticut, as needed for business operations, with flexibility for remote work. The role requires an individual who can operate autonomously while managing multiple project initiatives in a dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Design, benchmark, and optimize novel proprietary formulas across leave-on and rinse-off formats
- Select functional and active ingredient systems to meet targeted consumer experiences and scalp health benefits
- Execute prototype evaluation programs covering stability, compatibility, preservative efficacy, and preclinical performance
- Partner with contract manufacturers through scale-up, pilot batching, and initial production runs
- Collaborate with Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs to ensure compliance with domestic and international cosmetic requirements
- Maintain the laboratory bench, including equipment maintenance, inventory management, and safety protocol adherence
- Contribute scientific documentation and content to support new patent applications for novel formulations
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, biology, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
- Three to five years of hands-on experience in cosmetic or personal care formulation
- Demonstrated bench experience creating prototypes, evaluating stability, and performing preclinical measurements
- Experience formulating across surfactant systems, emulsions, and aqueous or hydroalcoholic systems
- Familiarity with prestige or premium personal care products, clean beauty standards, and naturally derived ingredients
- Working knowledge of current U.S. cosmetic regulations, including MoCRA
Qualifications
- Knowledge of hair and scalp biology, including the scalp microbiome
- Experience working with over-the-counter or dermatological products
- Background in developing sulfate-free, silicone-free, or constraint-driven formulation systems
- Experience supporting claims substantiation programs
- Familiarity with formula costing and cost of goods sold optimization
Core Skills
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance package including a flexible spending account program
- 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match
- Quarterly bonus program eligibility
- Flexible paid time off
- Monthly stipends for internet, cell phone, and wellness expenses
- Annual learning and development stipend
- Free subscription to a meditation application and discounts on pet insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the employment type and remote status for this role?
This is a full-time position. While the posting notes a remote work experience in the benefits section, the role requires regular on-the-bench laboratory work and candidates must be within commuting distance of Unilever facilities in Trumbull, CT and New Haven, CT.
What education and experience are required to apply?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in chemistry, cosmetic science, biology, chemical engineering, or a related field, along with three to five years of hands-on cosmetic or personal care formulation experience.
What salary does this position offer?
The source posting does not specify a concrete salary for this role, though it mentions that final compensation decisions factor in skills, experience, education, and other organizational needs.
What perks and benefits are included?
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, a quarterly bonus program, flexible PTO, monthly stipends for internet, phone, and wellness, and an annual learning and development stipend.
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