Senior Formulation Scientist

About this Role

Apeel Sciences is seeking a highly motivated, creative, and research-oriented formulation development expert to join our team. As a key member of our R&D department, you will be responsible for identifying and optimizing the performance, mixability, and robustness of novel formulations. The ideal candidate will be a hands-on scientist who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and brings deep technical knowledge of colloidal systems. While the primary focus is on discovery and optimization, the role also includes support for scale-up and technology transfer activities. 

This position will report to the Senior Director of R&D and will be based out of our headquarters in Goleta, California. We’re looking for someone to join our team immediately.

What You’ll Do

• Design and execute experimental studies to develop and optimize formulations aimed at extending the shelf life of fresh produce and reducing postharvest spoilage across the supply chain.
• Design, conduct, and analyze Design of Experiments (DoEs) to maximize product performance, stability, and robustness.
• Perform formulation feasibility studies, including evaluation of the impact of formulation changes on on-fruit product performance and solution stability. 
• Select appropriate emulsifiers, surfactants, stabilizers, and processing methods (e.g., high-shear mixing, sonication, microfluidization) that maximize product performance and solution stability.
• Characterize formulations using techniques such as rheology, microscopy, and particle size analysis.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Manufacturing, Quality Assurance, and Regulatory Affairs, to ensure alignment and successful execution of scale-up activities.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in formulation development and scale-up.

What You Bring

• Ideal candidates for this position will hold an advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Food Science, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related STEM field.
• Hands-on experience (e.g., PhD with 0-2+ years) in formulation optimization and process development within the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, biotechnology, or related industries.
• In-depth knowledge of formulation techniques, process optimization, scale-up methodologies, and IPC development for multi-phase systems, including emulsions, dispersions, and liquid concentrates.
• Analytical skills with experience in statistical analysis and DoE (Design of Experiments), and demonstrated application to process optimization and troubleshooting.
• Knowledge of solution characterization techniques, including but not limited to turbidity, viscosity, rheology, and particle sizing.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and manage timelines effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly and effectively across different functions and levels of the organization.
• Independent and problem-solving mindset with a track record of successfully overcoming challenges in scale-up processes.
• Ability to perform indoor and outdoor work in cold or hot environments, drive a vehicle, and lift and move boxes of fruit (up to 40 lbs).
• Up to 5% travel (domestic and international) may be required.