Sr. Chemist

Kirker is a leading custom manufacturer of nail lacquer and nail care treatment products since the 1940’s. Today, Kirker’s cutting-edge expertise, custom formulations, and first-class service have affirmed our leadership position within the industry. Recognized that our growth and success has been the result of our top-notch talents, we are looking for motivated, dedicated, and innovative individuals to join our growing team! Proudly to be part of RPM International, a world leader in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services, Kirker provide the resources and benefits of a large company, and promote a working environment where creative, inspiring, and collaborative teams strive.

Job Purpose:

Support the R&D team to develop innovative products and formulas, as well as improving the performance of the current portfolio and evaluating existing and new raw materials for performance and cost effectiveness.

Defined Job Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Responsible for all aspects of product development related to nail polish formulation and working with marketing, sales, customers and suppliers as required.
• Independent execution of complex product briefs
• Creates and develops new and improved products, innovative ideas, processes, protocols and techniques to support project objectives and company goals
• Prepares samples for testing, such as stability, efficacy, and safety
• Monitors stability of products using approved stability protocols and reformulates as needed
• Assist with color matching projects as needed
• Carries out research on assigned technologies and concepts
• Proactively identifies and evaluates new materials to assess technical performance
• Designs and conducts studies to assess and understand prototype performance
• Initiates patent research and applications
• Stays on top of competitive products and novel technologies
• Act as a technical and problem solving resource
• Recommends product modifications and process improvements
• Collaboratively supports other functions of the organization to deliver end to end results
• Supports the management of product testing including but not limited to consumer and safety testing
• Supports production in the scale-up of formulas and implementation of action plans to solve technical problems
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, team members of other departments, and customers.
• Maintains scientific skills and acquires the skills necessary to assure the quality of the formulations
• Helps to develop the scientific expertise of the laboratory
• Follows current Good Manufacturing, Good Laboratory, and Safety Practices
• Responsible for Data Management and Collection via company specific programs
• Maintain accurate written records of experiments and work. Document results of tests, analysis and research activities.
• Assists in/prepares scientific presentations to colleagues and customers

Qualification/Skills:

1. 5+ years of relevant industry experience – prior nail formulation or nitrocellulose experience preferred

2. Bachelors Degree or Higher within a technical field (Chemistry, Biology, etc)

3. Ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects within a cross-functional organization

4. Strong technical color expertise, with color matching ability to be able to quickly distinguish and recognize differences in shades

5. Excellent lab processing techniques and data management

6. Experience and expertise with viscosity and rheology preferred

7. Experience in color cosmetic formulations preferred

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Commuter assistance
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Paterson, NJ 07524: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person