Product Development Chemist

The Pet Care business unit of Spectrum Brands is based in St. Louis, Missouri with distribution, manufacturing and sales offices throughout the US and globe. Owners of dogs, cats, birds, small animals, fish and reptiles rely on our brands for exceptional value and trusted results. Our industry-leading brands include Tetra, Instant Ocean, Marineland, 8-in-1, Dingo, FURminator, Nature's Miracle, GloFish, DreamBone and SmartBones.

We are seeking a creative, hands-on, and results-driven Product Development Chemist to join our dynamic R&D team in Blacksburg, VA. In this role, you will lead and support the end-to-end formulation of innovative, science-backed products for the global companion animal market. You will independently develop and test a wide range of pet household chemicals, grooming solutions, and waste management products. Working cross-functionally and globally, you'll help bring new products to life -- from concept through commercialization. This is a high-impact, high-visibility opportunity to directly shape the future of pet care within our rapidly expanding $1.2 billion global portfolio.

Product Development and Innovation (50%)

• Independently formulate and optimize pet care products aligned with global marketing objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project timelines and deliverables.
• Ensure formulations meet regulatory requirements across US, Canada, LATAM, EU, and APAC.
• Conduct and interpret efficacy and stability testing; generate data-driven product claims.
• Maintain detailed lab notebooks and digital records; contribute to R&D knowledge base.
• Support innovation through ideation, prototyping, and scientific substantiation of claims.
• Author and maintain SOPs and technical documentation for internal and external use.
• Collaborate with the Sourcing Team and third-party manufacturers to co-develop products, resolve technical issues, and ensure accurate and timely completion of required documentation.

Process Development (30%)

• Partner with Quality and Manufacturing to scale formulations and resolve production issues.
• Develop and validate analytical methods for active ingredient verification.
• Train junior staff and technicians on formulation techniques and lab best practices.
• Drive cost optimization and process improvements for better manufacturability.
• Manage lab inventory and ensure timely procurement of raw materials and supplies.

Research, Testing and Analysis (20%)

• Design, execute, and thoroughly document laboratory experiments, delivering clear, actionable results that support product development and decision-making.
• Conduct in-depth research on emerging technologies, testing methodologies, and competitive products; summarize and communicate findings to inform strategic business decisions.
• Lead formulation efforts to improve product efficacy or meet regulatory standards.
• Prepare mock-ups and prototypes for internal review and customer presentations.
• Continuously improve lab protocols and ensure equipment calibration compliance

• Bachelor's degree in Chemistry or related field with 5+ years of relevant experience.
• Advanced degree in Chemistry or related disciplines.
• Highly preferred: direct, hands-on formulation experience with consumer packaged goods (CPG), including cosmetics, personal care, household cleaning, pet care, or health and wellness products.

• Strong understanding of formulation chemistry, raw material functions, and ingredient interactions
• Hands-on lab experience in product testing, such as stability studies, viscosity/pH control, and packaging compatibility.
• Ability to troubleshoot formulation or process issues independently
• Ability to manage multiple projects with shifting priorities and tight timelines
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to draw conclusions from complex data sets and testing outcomes
• Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews, technical benchmarking, regulatory guidance, and competitive analysis to inform product development
• Strong written and verbal communication, including technical writing and presentation
• Comfortable communicating with cross-functional and international teams
• Knowledge of U.S. and global regulatory guidelines for pet or consumer chemical products
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Teams
• Hands-on experience operating and interpreting data from chromatography instruments such as GC, GC/MS, and HPLC is a plus
• Familiarity with statistical software or data analysis tools is a plus

• 30-50% laboratory/manufacturing environment
• 20-40% office environment with hybrid work schedule on an as needed basis
• 5-10% travel on an as needed basis

Spectrum Brands is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

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