R&D Chemist (Cosmetic Formulation)

UA Manufacturing is a fast-growing subsidiary based in Altona North, Melbourne, backed by Uniasia Cosmetics Technology, a globally recognised leader in cosmetics manufacturing.

We specialise in end-to-end solutions across procurement, formulation, manufacturing, filling, and packaging of beauty and personal care products. Driven by a passion for innovation and quality, we partner with our clients to deliver customised product development and manufacturing solutions that add real commercial value.

Our state-of-the‑art facility is built to meet stringent industry standards, including TGA License, ISO 22716:2007, and ISO 9001:2015. Equipped with world‑class automated production technology, we provide a high‑quality, efficient manufacturing environment that supports speed to market and cost optimisation for our customers.

As one of Australia’s leading cosmetic OEM manufacturers, we continue to experience strong growth and an expanding customer base. At UA Manufacturing, you will have the opportunity to grow your career alongside a dynamic and evolving business.

About the role

The R&D Chemist is responsible for the formulation, development, optimisation and commercialisation of cosmetic, personal care and therapeutic products, with a particular focus on sunscreen and emulsion‑based formulations.

Working closely with R&D, Quality, Production, Regulatory, Procurement and Commercial teams, the role will manage formulation projects from customer brief and laboratory development through stability assessment, scale‑up and commercial production. The position also provides technical support in formulation troubleshooting, raw material selection, manufacturing process optimisation and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities

• Develop innovative and commercially viable formulations in response to customer briefs, market trends and business opportunities

• Develop and optimise sunscreen formulations, including emulsion‑based and other sun‑care product formats

• Develop a range of cosmetic and personal care formulations including creams, lotions, emulsions, washes, serums and related product formats

• Reformulate and optimise existing products to improve stability, sensory performance, manufacturability, product performance and cost effectiveness

• Select and evaluate raw materials, active ingredients and formulation technologies appropriate to product requirements

• Design and conduct stability programs and evaluate formulation performance throughout development

• Support formulation transfer from laboratory development through pilot and commercial‑scale manufacturing

• Prepare and maintain accurate formulation and technical documentation, including formulas, manufacturing instructions, specifications and testing documentation

• Work closely with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure formulations and documentation meet applicable company, GMP and regulatory requirements

• Investigate formulation and manufacturing issues and recommend practical technical solutions

About you

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science or a related scientific discipline

• 3–5 years of hands‑on formulation development experience within cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals or a related manufacturing environment

• Hands‑on experience in sunscreen formulation development and optimisation is essential

• Practical experience developing emulsions, creams, lotions and other cosmetic or personal care formulations

• Experience progressing formulations from laboratory development through stability testing, scale‑up and commercial production

• Sound knowledge of formulation chemistry, ingredient functionality, compatibility and stability

• Experience troubleshooting formulation and manufacturing issues

• Good understanding of laboratory practices, stability programs and technical documentation

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with the ability to develop practical solutions

• Good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across R&D, Quality and Production teams

Why join us?

• Work on a diverse range of cosmetic, personal care and therapeutic products, with strong exposure to sunscreen and complex formulation development

• Take formulations beyond the laboratory and gain hands‑on experience across scale‑up, manufacturing and commercialisation

• Work closely with experienced R&D, Quality, Regulatory and Production teams in a GMP manufacturing environment

• Build practical technical capability through exposure to formulation troubleshooting, process optimisation and real‑world manufacturing challenges

• Join a hands‑on environment where your ideas and technical contribution can directly influence product development and improvement

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