Associate Chemist

Unconventional brands for unconventional people. Kinetic is a full-stack brand operator managing a portfolio of digital brands. The brands we operate are the opposite of basic. Each brand has a distinct identity, memorable product, and cult following. Through our full-stack infrastructure (meaning we manage everything in-house–including fulfillment, supply chain, R&D, marketing, and development), we create bespoke products that stand out even in the most crowded of industries. About the Role We’re looking for a nail polish enthusiast with an eye for color and application to join our Research and Development team as an Associate Chemist. In this role, you will bridge the gap between our Product Development team’s creative vision and the technical reality of the lab. You will work closely with senior chemists to develop new formulations and maintain rigorous quality standards throughout the product lifecycle. This is a perfect opportunity for an early-career chemist to take ownership of projects that straddle both R&D and Quality functions. You will Execute Formulation & Batching: Work closely with Senior Chemists to develop new polish formulations and produce lab batches, adjusting specifications to meet precise color and performance targets. Color Match: Assist in refining color profiles by calculating pigment loads and performing precise color-matching exercises to ensure consistency across batches. Conduct Technical Analysis: Perform and interpret technical tests (including stability, hardness, gloss, and dry time), providing accurate data to drive formula improvements. New Ingredient Exploration: Research and vet new raw materials or sustainable alternatives, presenting findings to the Senior Chemist for potential inclusion in future product roadmaps. Quality Assurance & Product Integrity: Conducting in-process and final inspections, managing testing protocols, and verifying product compliance with specifications. Own Quality Tracking: Drive the quality assurance process by evaluating product samples and tracking long-term stability metrics from development to launch. Monitor Product Integrity: Perform monthly evaluations on quality samples and keep organized, legible records to support long-term product performance. Lab Management & Documentation: Help with organization and ordering supplies. Making sure all materials are labeled properly and disposed of properly if expired. Follow GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) Manage Technical Documentation: Maintain meticulous, real-time entries in lab notebooks and databases, tracking hypotheses, experimental validity, and key learnings. Raw Material Inventory: You will take ownership of the R&D raw material library, ensuring all ingredients are stocked, labeled correctly, and that Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and/or Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) are organized. Oversee Lab Operations: Ensure the precision, maintenance, and cleanliness of laboratory equipment and your assigned work area, adhering strictly to safety protocols. Cross-Functional Partnership: Operate within a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, acting as a bridge between scientific theory and practical application. This role requires strong communication skills to interact with various departments to advance research and development projects. Collaborate on Launches: Partner with Product Development to proactively identify and flag potential product issues before they hit the production line. Scale-Up Support: You will assist in the transition from lab-scale batches to pilot production, helping to identify potential manufacturing hurdles. You have 1-2 years’ experience in the cosmetic industry Associates of Science or higher in Chemistry and/or a combination of vocational training, education, and experience that is equivalent to the employment standards listed above, and provides the required knowledge and skills Understanding of functions and operation of testing equipment, such as but not limited to: Viscometers, pH meters, Water bath, Colorimeter, or other color analysis techniques Extreme Ownership - You care deeply about the quality of the product that is released and feel a strong sense of responsibility for the results of your work. When things go wrong, you own your mistakes and do everything to learn and move forward Passion for Nail Polish - You have opinions on what makes a good formula, an eye for color, and a strong desire to make quality polish Strong Communications Skills - You’re an empathetic communicator - you can filter through what information and context is needed for the stakeholder you are interacting with Proactive Problem Solving - You think about what could go wrong, work to address it on your own, and flag risks to teams to collaboratively address problems before they happen Critical Thinking - You think about the variables that impact our products and come up with ways to test them Attention to Detail - You understand that the details matter. Small deviations in formulations can have big consequences, and you’re capable of carefully executing given instructions Healthcare You Can Count On – Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered when it matters most. Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need—we trust you (plus, we require a minimum!). Paid Parental Leave – 12 weeks paid + 4 weeks eased return to work. Family first! 401k Match – We match 4% to help grow your future. Monthly Home Office Stipend – We cover part of your phone or internet bill. Employee Discounts – Big savings on our products, just for you! Work environment Onsite - This role is required to be onsite at our Passaic, NJ facility 5 days a week. Kinetic Brands is an equal opportunity employer — we believe being successful is directly tied to creating a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kinetic Brands