Sr. Chemist, rhode

About the Company

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. stands with every eye, lip, face and paw. Our deep commitment to clean, cruelty free beauty at an incredible value has fueled the success of our flagship brand e.l.f. Cosmetics since 2004 and driven our portfolio expansion. Today, our multi-brand portfolio includes e.l.f. Cosmetics, e.l.f. SKIN, pioneering clean beauty brand Well People, Naturium, high-performance, biocompatible, clinically-effective and accessible skin care, and our newest brand, rhode, a line of curated skincare essentials, formulated for a variety of skin types and needs with high performance ingredients, it's a daily routine that nourishes your skin barrier over time.

In our Fiscal year 25, we had net sales of $1 Billion and our business performance has been nothing short of extraordinary with 29 consecutive quarters of net sales growth. We are the #2 mass cosmetics brand in the US and are the fastest growing mass cosmetics brand among the top 5. Our total compensation philosophy offers every full-time new hire competitive pay and benefits, bonus eligibility (200% of target over the last six fiscal years), equity, flexible time off, year-round half-day Fridays, and a hybrid 3 day in office, 2 day at home work environment. We believe the combination of our unique culture, total compensation, workplace flexibility and care for the team is unmatched across not just beauty but any industry.


Visit our Career Page to learn more about our team:

rhode is seeking a Senior Research & Development Chemist, who is well versed in formulating personal care products, to join the team and play an integral role in formulating innovative products for our business. Reporting to the Director of Research and Development, you will be responsible for research, formulation, and managing cross-functional team projects.


What You'll Do

• Independently work on formulation projects based on product briefs provided by Product Development team
• Make batches of formulation projects
• Create formula revisions based on feedback from testing team
• Adjust batches as needed to meet formula specification requirements
• Maintain clear and accurate records of formulations, procedures, observations and results
• Prepare and log samples for submission
• Calculate appropriate specification ranges and create CofAs for formulas
• Conduct stability testing and keep accurate records
• Order raw material samples and maintain raw material storage room
• Request raw material documentation from vendors and maintain documents organized in shared folder
• Maintain formulation software
• Prepare bulk to be sent out to third party testing laboratories as needed
• Validate other chemist's formulas
• Contribute to routine laboratory housekeeping and day-to-day operations of the laboratory
• Calibrate lab equipment
• Supervise scale up batches at Contract Manufacturers, providing instructions and recommendations as needed
• Communicate with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and Regulatory teams as needed
• Assist other lab staff as needed

What You'll Bring

• Bachelor's in Science in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent
• 5+ years' experience working as a formulation/bench chemist in a personal care formulation laboratory. Experience formulating OTC products - nice to have.
• Must have experience using mixers, homogenizers, viscometers, and pH meters
• Strong knowledge of the following:
  • Functionality of raw materials used in personal care formulations
  • Ingredient listing
  • Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Experience maintaining a formulation software or database required (formula breakdown and entry of raw materials, including CAS, INCI, and cost information)
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel etc.) or Google Workspace
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and able to independently manage multiple priority projects
• Must be a critical thinker and have strong problem-solving skills
• Agile and comfortable working in fast paced environment
• Must have strong communication skills and ability to explain technical information to a non-technical audience
• Willing to travel to contract manufacturer sites and supervise scale up batches as needed

Other Details for Consideration

• Position is located: Santa Monica, CA
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• Office requirement : 5 days in our Lab in Santa Monica
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• Budgeted Salary Range: 105K-140K
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$105,000 - $140,000 a year

The base salary range for this role is listed above.


Total compensation includes base salary, annual company-based performance bonus, and equity. Under e.l.f.'s annual bonus program, employees are eligible to earn up to 200% of their target bonus when company performance exceeds defined goals. In addition, e.l.f. provides a variety of other benefits to employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement savings plan, gender neutral parental leave, and unlimited paid time off. The amount of total compensation (including base salary) offered will be based on a wide range of factors, including geographic location, experience, specific skills, and qualifications.

Compensation components are subject to change at the company's discretion

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this position. It also reflects the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified, and shall not be considered, as detailed description of all the work required inherent in the job. It is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, and it is subject to changes and exceptions at the supervisors' discretion.

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