Haoma/RoseMira | Cosmetic Formulation Chemist & Manufacturing Specialist

• Location: Austin, Texas (on site)
• Employment: Contractor, initially part time
• Growth potential: Full time opportunity as manufacturing operations expand
• Additional hours: May be available through inventory management and order fulfillment responsibilities

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced, hands on cosmetic formulation chemist and manufacturing specialist to help establish a new botanical skincare formulation and manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas.

Formulation experience is the heart of this role. We are bringing established recipe data for approximately 17 existing skincare formulations from California to Austin. You will recreate those products, make them better, and develop new formulations over time. Your first mission will be working with leadership to help set up the new Austin facility: its processes, equipment requirements, quality systems, and operating standards.

The role begins as a part time contract, with the potential to grow into a full time role with increasing responsibilities as the business expands.

About Us

Haoma and RoseMira are two unique skincare brands filling an important gap in skincare, supported by Palm Venture Studio. Our culture brings together entrepreneurial talent, resources, and a supportive community focused on building and growing innovative businesses. We value creativity, scientific excellence, collaboration, and people who are excited to build something meaningful from the beginning.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulation Development & Technical Transfer
• Lead the transfer of approximately 17 existing botanical skincare formulations from California to our new Austin manufacturing facility.
• Recreate established formulas using existing specifications, manufacturing documentation, written procedures, and video instructions, and improve them where you see the opportunity.
• Develop new formulations and support the reintroduction of additional skincare products.
• Evaluate ingredient functionality, formulation compatibility, and manufacturing processes to ensure consistent product quality.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and recommend improvements to performance, stability, sourcing, and cost.
• Product Testing, Stability & Quality Assurance
• Develop and implement appropriate testing protocols for new and existing formulations.
• Conduct and coordinate physical and chemical stability testing, including accelerated and real time stability studies.
• Evaluate product characteristics such as pH, viscosity, texture, appearance, odor, and consistency, as applicable.
• Coordinate microbiological testing, including microbial limits testing and preservative efficacy testing where appropriate.
• Evaluate packaging compatibility, product shelf life, and storage requirements.
• Establish product specifications, quality control procedures, and batch release standards.
• Maintain accurate formulation, testing, and manufacturing documentation in accordance with cosmetic GMP and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ingredient Sourcing & Formula Costing
• Identify, evaluate, and source botanical ingredients, raw materials, and packaging components.
• Develop supplier relationships and ensure ingredient quality, consistency, and availability.
• Prepare and maintain formulation cost analyses, including raw material costs, batch yields, and production costs.
• Identify opportunities to optimize sourcing and manufacturing efficiency while maintaining product integrity.
• Small Batch Manufacturing & Production
• Personally manufacture premium botanical skincare products, including hand milled and preservative free formulations.
• Prepare, weigh, blend, mill, fill, and package products in small production runs, typically 40 to 60 units per batch.
• Establish and maintain standardized manufacturing procedures, batch records, and production schedules.
• Ensure consistent product quality, sanitation, equipment maintenance, and safe manufacturing practices.
• Manage raw material inventory, production supplies, and finished product quality.
• Support the development of efficient manufacturing workflows as the facility grows.
• Facility Development & Growth
• Help establish the processes, equipment requirements, quality systems, and operational standards for the new Austin facility.
• Collaborate with the Palm Venture Studio team on manufacturing improvements, product development, and future innovation.
• Contribute to scaling production capabilities as additional brands and products are introduced.
• Potentially assist with inventory management, order picking, packing, and shipping for additional hours during the initial phase.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Cosmetic Science, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Biochemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience, with 5+ years strongly preferred, in cosmetic formulation development, skincare manufacturing, or cosmetic research and development.
• Demonstrated hands on experience formulating and manufacturing skincare products, preferably botanical or naturally derived formulations.
• Strong understanding of cosmetic chemistry, ingredient functionality, formulation compatibility, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience conducting or coordinating formulation stability testing, microbiological testing, and product quality evaluations.
• Knowledge of cosmetic raw material sourcing, supplier qualification, and formulation costing.
• Familiarity with cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), FDA cosmetic regulatory requirements, and manufacturing documentation.
• Ability to independently interpret existing formulas, troubleshoot manufacturing issues, and execute small batch production.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem solving, and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with hand milled, anhydrous, botanical, or preservative free skincare formulations.
• Experience transferring formulas between manufacturing facilities or scaling laboratory formulations into production.
• Knowledge of microbial contamination risks, water activity, and appropriate safety testing for preservative free products.
• Experience establishing laboratory or manufacturing procedures, quality systems, and production documentation.
• Previous experience working with emerging beauty brands, independent manufacturers, or entrepreneurial businesses.