R&D Scientist

Keystone Industries - Cherry Hill, NJ

Full-time - Entry Level

Cherry Hill, NJ

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

As an R&D Scientist at Keystone Industries, you will play a crucial role in developing innovative products that meet customer needs. This position is based in Cherry Hill, NJ, and operates in an office/lab setting with a typical schedule from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, with some flexibility. You will work under the guidance of senior laboratory staff and collaborate with analytical and quality teams to support daily activities and customer initiatives. Your responsibilities will include developing and verifying formulas, modifying existing formulations, and identifying scale-up parameters for safe manufacturing processes. You will also be involved in testing and evaluating raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, as well as maintaining records for product and packaging stability. In this role, you will create and maintain product specifications for samples in development and assist in the maintenance of the quality system, including batch cards, QCAs, COAs, and retains. You will operate and maintain analytical equipment, prepare and maintain laboratory SOPs and test methods, and present research and data clearly and concisely. Additionally, you will work with QA/RA teams to support customer initiatives and assist in product quality investigations and troubleshooting. The ideal candidate will have at least one year of lab experience, preferably in the cosmetic, coatings, or polymers manufacturing processes, and will possess strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop products to meet customer needs under the guidance of senior laboratory staff.
• Work with analytical and quality teams to support daily activities and customer initiatives.
• Develop and verify formulas and modify existing formulations to achieve desired products.
• Identify important scale-up parameters and plant equipment for safe manufacturing of new formulations.
• Perform basic formula generation and data review tasks in New Product Launch software.
• Create product specifications for samples in development and maintain records for product and packaging stability.
• Assist in the maintenance of the quality system, including batch cards, QCAs, COAs, and retains.
• Complete assignments, projects, and prepare reports/project summaries as required.
• Operate and maintain analytical equipment and assist in the preparation and maintenance of laboratory SOPs and test methods.
• Present research and data clearly and concisely, and generate customer-specific documentation.
• Work with QA/RA teams to support customer initiatives and assist in product quality investigations and troubleshooting.
• Source new raw materials for projects and understand handling guidelines and limitations.
• Work independently on routine projects with minimal guidance and collaborate in a team-based environment.
• Participate in the general upkeep of the laboratory and complete special assignments as required.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of practical experience in a laboratory atmosphere.
• 4-year college degree in a technical field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Engineering or similar).
• Experience with cosmetic, coatings, or polymers industry manufacturing processes preferred.
• Experience with aqueous formulation, preservation, OTC drugs, sterilization, and/or aseptic techniques preferred.
• Knowledge of equipment and validation requirements preferred.
• Good problem-solving skills and ability to work independently as well as in a team.
• Good oral and written communication skills, presentation skills, and mathematical skills (unit conversion, ratio, percentage).
• Strong attention to detail and good decision-making skills.
• Computer proficient, especially with MS Office, particularly Excel.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with cosmetic/coatings/polymers manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of equipment and validation requirements.

Benefits

• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
• AD&D insurance
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Gym membership
• Enriched Medical Plan
• Vision insurance
• Company-sponsored Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program - up to $5,250/year
• Scholarships to Children of Employees
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Tickets to sports events and concerts throughout the year
• Term Life Insurance/AD&D
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Accident and Critical Illness Insurance
• Voluntary Pet Insurance