Agricultural Principal Formulation Chemist - Davis, CA Area

Investing in You, join a 100-year-old, family-owned leader in Ag - and grow with us!

Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.

"We know the confidence gap can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates, so please don't hesitate to apply - we'd love to hear from you."

Role Overview:

The Principal Formulation Chemist will lead research and discovery activities across Wilbur-Ellis' full portfolio of brandedplant nutrition products, active ingredients, and adjuvants. This role is responsible for developing new technologies, exploring novel formulation strategies, and advancing early-stage concepts into robust prototypes.

Working in a dedicated R&D environment, the chemist will drive innovation through experimental design, mechanistic studies, stability and compatibility analysis, and hands-on formulation science. This position partners closely with product management, sales enablement, marketing, regulatory, EHSS, and operations to translate scientific insights into differentiated, commercially viable solutions.

This is a unique scientific role for someone who thrives on discovery, creativity, and pushing technical boundaries in plant science and agricultural chemistry.

A Sample of What You'll Do in this Role:

Research & Discovery

• Lead exploratory research for plant nutritionals, actives, and adjuvants, identifying novel formulation approaches and emerging technologies.
• Conduct mechanistic and physicochemical studies to understand ingredient functionality and interactions.
• Perform compatibility, stability, and functionality testing to support early-stage concept development.

Formulation & Product Development

• Design and optimize advanced formulations for branded plant nutrition products, EPA registered active ingredients, and adjuvants.
• Develop lab-scale prototypes and conduct iterative testing to refine performance, shelf life, and field utility.
• Evaluate new raw materials, delivery systems, surfactants, carriers, and stabilizing technologies.
• Generate high-quality analytical data and interpret results into actionable recommendations.
• Support competitive benchmarking by evaluating third-party technologies and industry trends.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with marketing, field sales, portfolio management, regulatory, and EHSS to advance concepts toward commercialization.
• Provide scientific insight during early feasibility, labeling considerations, and regulatory strategy discussions.
• Develop technical training materials for internal teams and support field education when needed.

Laboratory Management

• Assist daily lab operations, ensuring accurate data collection, equipment readiness, and safe working practices.
• Assist and lead sample management, including sample preparation and shipping and receiving of research samples.
• Foster a culture of scientific rigor, curiosity, and hands-on experimentation within the innovation lab.

What You Bring to the Role:

• A bachelors degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related field.
• 2+ years expertise in agricultural chemistry, ideally spanning fertilizer and plant nutrition, biologicals, active ingredients, and adjuvant technologies.
• Experience with biotechnology, plant metabolites, biochemical modes of action, and signaling compounds.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, colloidal systems, surfactants, solvents, emulsions, chelation, and controlled-delivery systems.
• Proven ability to design experiments and troubleshoot issues related to stability, compatibility, and performance.
• Familiarity with active ingredient behavior, adjuvant interactions, and nutrient uptake mechanisms.
• Experience in R&D or applied research environments; pilot-scale formulation experience a plus.

What Makes You a Great Fit:

• You are scientifically curious, inventive, and passionate about discovery.
• You're an analytical thinker with strong attention to detail and experimental discipline.
• You communicate effectively and collaborate well across technical and non-technical teams.
• You're a self-starter who can lead projects independently and manage multiple priorities.
• You are committed to maintaining the highest standards of laboratory safety and scientific integrity.

Compensation and Benefits:

• In compliance with all states and cities requiring transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from $115,400 - $161,620. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience.

• This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, and retirement plan participation, including an employer contribution of up to 7% into your 401(k). Follow this link for more information regarding Wilbur-Ellis employee benefits:

Please note that salary ranges provided for this role on external job boards are salary estimates made by outside parties and may not be accurate.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Diversity of people, cultures, opinions, and ideas makes us all stronger. From leadership commitment to employee buy-in, we know that creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities for all employees to reach their full potential is a shared responsibility.

Wilbur-Ellis is a company you can be proud to call your employer

Wilbur-Ellis markets and distributes agricultural products, animal feed specialty chemicals, and food ingredients. A privately held and consistently profitable company, we employ more than 4,000 people throughout North America and Asia-Pacific.

Wilbur-Ellis is for and about people

Wilbur-Ellis has enjoyed over 100 years of success and growth, all thanks to our people. Our employees are both leaders and team players who thrive on creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to quality work, our customers, and each other.

Wilbur-Ellis invests in the industry's best workforce

Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.

Follow our career social media accounts!

Instagram: IG • TikTok: TikTok • Facebook: FB • LinkedIn: LinkedIn