Research & Development Coordinator

The R&D Coordinator supports the Badger mission and principles through supporting the R&D department throughout the new product innovation process by researching, networking, managing documents, databases and laboratory resources. The R&D Coordinator plays a fundamental role in the full product development process from ideation to ingredient sourcing and formulation all the way through to scale up.

Essential Responsibilities:

Ingredient Sourcing:

·       Source new ingredients and back up ingredient suppliers in close coordination with the Production and Procurement Manager.

·       Vet new ingredients against mission-based standards and make recommendations for ingredient innovation.

·       Keep a record of the recommended new ingredients for each upcoming product development.

·       Perform active networking with existing and new suppliers that could include attendance at new ingredient showcases (in person or virtually).

·       Lead ingredient and new product research to ensure health, safety, efficacy and environmental sustainability.

·       Initiate collection of regulatory documents as needed.

Laboratory management:

·       Train and supervise laboratory technician in the day-to-day laboratory activities in collaboration with R&D Director.

·       Lead and support laboratory formulation and testing if needed.

·       Prepare continuous summarized updates on the laboratory activities and test results for the R&D Director review.

·       Coordinate the purchase of supplies needed for the laboratory.

Research and development process:

·       Collect, update and meet deadlines of necessary documents throughout the product development protocol in coordination with the Project manager.

·       Manage R&D testing needed with external laboratories.

·       Coordinate time slots with quality for specific testing needed and for stability testing.

·       Participate in the new ingredient organoleptic description for specifications in coordination with Quality.

·       Lead the in-house sensory panel for products in development keeping record of the results for meaningful interpretation. 

·       Create and keep formulation sheets updated with margin estimates.

·       Provide support to R&D Director on creating reports for CEO reviews.

·       Support R&D Director during the Scale up production with variable checks needed in coordination with Production and Quality.

·       Represent R&D Director in her absence in cross-departmental meetings if necessary.

Ideation:

·       Collaborate with R&D Director and Marketing in creative spaces for new product ideas.

·       Participate in brainstorming sessions for new formulas and strategies with the R&D director.

Continuing Education:

·       Participate in recommended trainings by R&D Director

·       Stay informed on new mission aligned ingredient innovation trends

·       Attend conferences or tradeshows as needed

·       Attend internal Badger trainings as needed

Requirements

Education

·       Degree in chemistry or other related science

·       Cosmetic chemistry training on the job or through continuing education

Experience and Skills

·       2-4 years of experience in R&D department

·       1-3 years of experience in laboratory management

·       Regulatory compliance, ingredient certification and standards expertise

·       Experience working with cGMP practices in an FDA approved facility

·       Strong oral and written communication skills

·       Computer skills in database management windows, excel and power point

·       Strong collaborative skills

·       Robust coordination skills

Other

·       Passion for organic and natural products

·       Creative and innovative thinker

·       Ethical awareness

·       Commitment to sustainability and social responsibility

Physical Requirements:
Employees should be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time off
• Free Organic Daily Lunches
• Volunteer Paid Time Off
• 401k with Employer Match
• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Wellness Resources
• Employee discount