R&D Formulation Technician

Formulation Technician Join an R&D toxicology team supporting the development of future products and the reformulation of current products. This role is ideal for a recent graduate or early-career scientist with a Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related scientific background who is detail-oriented, eager to learn, and comfortable working in a hands-on laboratory environment. You’ll help prepare and evaluate formulations used in rodent studies, with a focus on ensuring formulations meet target concentrations, are homogeneous, and remain stable. This is a collaborative role with extensive hands-on training and opportunities to build practical formulation and wet chemistry skills. Pay & Schedule Pay: $25-30/hr Schedule: 8-hour schedule with start/end times selected within a 6:00 AM–6:00 PM window Flexibility: Occasional schedule changes or overtime may be required based on study needs. Studies may need to begin early, so flexibility to support the team when needed is important. Location: Newark, Delaware Environment: This position works inside a vivarium but does not involve handling research animals. The Role: What You’ll Do As a Formulation Technician, you’ll support scientists with day-to-day formulation activities for in vivo and in vitro toxicology studies. You’ll work with a variety of test substances and help determine how to prepare formulations that are accurate, homogeneous, and stable. Formulation Development: Prepare formulations for future products and reformulations of existing products used in research studies. Rodent Diet Formulations: Prepare test substances in rodent diets and other appropriate formulations, ensuring target concentrations are achieved and formulations are homogeneous and stable. Wet Chemistry: Perform hands-on laboratory techniques including pH measurement, weighing, pipetting, serial dilutions, and preparation of solutions and suspensions. Problem Solving: Apply chemistry principles to formulation challenges—for example, determining what to do when a test substance does not dissolve in the intended vehicle or when a suspension is not sufficiently homogeneous. Pipetting : Perform frequent, accuracy-critical pipetting using electronic pipettes, repeaters, and other laboratory equipment. Sample & Test Substance Management: Receive, track, store, distribute, and dispose of test substances in accordance with SOPs, GLPs, safety requirements, and study needs. Documentation : Prepare formulation sheets, maintain laboratory notebooks, record raw data, and document formulation activities accurately and promptly. Procedures & Compliance : Follow established formulation, dosing, diet preparation, GLP, SOP, and safety procedures. Collaboration : Work closely with scientists, technicians, and other members of the R&D team while adapting to changing study priorities. Training & Qualification: Complete hands-on training and practice preparations and demonstrate proficiency before being signed off on specific formulation skills. Qualifications We’re looking for candidates who bring the following: Education: BS in Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related scientific field preferred. Biology candidates with a Chemistry minor or demonstrated interest in developing chemistry skills will also be considered. Experience: Open to recent graduates with no professional laboratory experience. Candidates with an Associate degree and relevant experience or a high school diploma with significant relevant laboratory experience may also be considered. Chemistry Foundation: Understanding of basic chemistry principles and an interest in applying them to real-world formulation challenges. Wet Chemistry: Familiarity with laboratory techniques such as pH measurement, solution preparation, weighing, and dilution. Pipetting: Comfortable performing precise, repetitive pipetting and willing to learn electronic pipettes and repeater systems. Attention to Detail: Strong focus on accuracy, consistency, documentation, and following established procedures. Learning Mindset: Willingness and enthusiasm to learn new techniques, procedures, equipment, and scientific concepts. Physical Requirements: Comfortable regularly handling rodent-diet bags weighing approximately 25–30 lbs (15 kg). Vivarium Environment: Comfortable working in a vivarium environment and following required entry procedures, including showering before entering the vivarium. Core Skills Basic chemistry or biochemistry principles. Wet chemistry and pH techniques. Accurate, high-volume pipetting. Solution preparation and serial dilution. Formulation and suspension preparation. Basic understanding of concentration calculations and algebra. Ability to recognize and troubleshoot formulation issues. Accurate laboratory documentation and data recording. Ability to follow SOPs, GLPs, safety procedures, and study-specific protocols. Strong attention to detail and consistency. Effective written and verbal communication. Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team. What Makes Someone Successful The most successful Formulation Technicians are curious, meticulous, flexible, and willing to learn. They take pride in producing accurate and repeatable formulations, recognize when something does not look right, and are comfortable asking questions and working with scientists to solve problems. A strong chemistry foundation is helpful, but the right mindset is just as important. The role involves learning many new techniques and procedures, so candidates with varied scientific backgrounds who are open to developing their chemistry and formulation skills can be successful. What Happens Next? If your background aligns with this opportunity, a recruiter will follow up to discuss next steps. As part of our promise to talent, Kelly supports those who work with us through a variety of benefits, perks, and work-related resources. Please note: The following benefits reflect Kelly's general offerings. Eligibility may vary by assignment, location, and job type. Kelly offers eligible employees voluntary benefit plans including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, term life, whole life, accident insurance, critical illness, a legal plan, and short-term disability. As a Kelly employee, you will have access to a retirement savings plan, service bonus and holiday pay plans (earn up to eight paid holidays per benefit year), and a transit spending account. In addition, employees are entitled to earn paid sick leave under the applicable state or local plan. Why Kelly Science & Clinical? Kelly Science & Clinical is your connection to premier scientific and clinical companies looking to hire industry experts just like you. Our team creates expert talent solutions to solve the world’s most critical challenges. Every day, we match science professionals with dream jobs that fit their skills, interests, and career goals—it’s the way we think job searching should be. Nearly 100 percent of our science recruiters have a professional background and education in science, so we know a thing or two about the science market and how to get your expertise noticed. About Kelly Work changes everything. And at Kelly, we’re obsessed with where it can take you. To us, it’s about more than simply accepting your next job opportunity. It’s the fuel that powers every next step of your life. It’s the ripple effect that changes and improves everything for your family, your community, and the world. 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