NPD Research Scientist

NPD Research Scientist – SkincareLocation: Coimbatore (On-site) Experience: 4+ years Department: R&D (Lab) · New Product Development Budget: ₹12–15 LPAAbout the RoleWe're a fast-growing, science-led skincare brand building a strong new-product pipeline. We're looking for an exceptional NPD Research Scientist to own the bench-to-batch development of our products.This is a purely technical, lab-based role — you're the scientist behind the product, not the person marketing it. You'll decide what a product should be at a formulation level — the actives, the base, the texture, the stability — and take it from concept brief through prototype, testing, and pilot/scale-up handover.If you love the lab, believe in clean-yet-effective formulation, and want real ownership over what a growing brand launches, this is for you.Key ResponsibilitiesNew Product Development (core)Convert product concept briefs into technical development plans — define formulation strategy, active systems, and target performance for each new product.Design, formulate, and iterate prototypes at the bench across categories: face care (serums, cleansers, masks, sunscreen, toners, eye cream), hair care, body care, and lip care.Evaluate and work with natural/plant-based actives and modern actives (bakuchiol, peptides, niacinamide, AHAs/BHAs, botanical extracts) to build differentiated products.Help shape the product roadmap — recommend what new products and categories the brand can credibly launch based on ingredient science and formulation feasibility.Lab, Testing & ValidationPlan and run stability testing (accelerated & real-time), compatibility, pH, viscosity, and preservative-efficacy (challenge) testing.Coordinate safety, efficacy, and claim-support testing with internal and external labs (dermatological testing, SPF testing for sun care, in-vitro/in-vivo where relevant).Troubleshoot formulation issues — emulsion stability, phase separation, discoloration, odor, actives degradation — and resolve them at the bench.Maintain rigorous documentation: formulation records, batch records, specs, and development reports.Scale-up & HandoverSupport pilot batches and scale-up trials; work with manufacturing to ensure lab formulas translate reliably to bulk production.Define raw-material specs, finished-product specs, and SOPs for new formulations.Partner with QC/QA on release specifications and method development.Regulatory & Compliance (technical)Ensure formulations comply with applicable regulations (CDSCO/BIS for India, plus target-market norms like EU/US where relevant) — ingredient limits, restrictions, and technical labeling inputs.Uphold clean-formulation standards (paraben-free, sulfate-free, cruelty-free, pregnancy-safe) while keeping products effective.Prepare and maintain technical documentation supporting product claims and safety.What We're Looking ForExperience 4+ years of hands-on formulation/NPD experience in skincare, personal care, or cosmetics R&D — from a brand, contract manufacturer, or ingredient house. A real track record of taking products from concept to launch. We care more about depth of formulation skill than a specific number of years — genuinely strong candidates are encouraged to apply.Education Degree in Cosmetic Technology, Cosmetic Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A cosmetic-technology background (e.g., ICT Mumbai or equivalent) is a strong plus but not mandatory if the hands-on experience is there.Technical Skills Deep, practical knowledge of emulsion science, surfactant systems, actives, preservatives, and rheology modifiers. Strong grasp of stability, compatibility, and preservative-efficacy protocols. Familiarity with cosmetic ingredient regulations and INCI nomenclature. Comfort with lab instrumentation (pH meter, viscometer/rheometer, homogenizer, stability chambers, etc.). Ability to read scientific/ingredient literature and translate it into formulation decisions.Attributes Meticulous documentation and a structured, experimental mindset. A hands-on problem-solver who genuinely enjoys the bench. Able to balance scientific rigor with cost, manufacturability, and timelines.Bonus Natural/plant-based actives experience. Protein-based actives experience.