Formulation Chemist

• Job Title: Formulation Chemist

• Reporting to: Head of Development Center, Virginia

• Location: AU / Virginia / 87 Yarraman Place

Opella is the self-care challenger with the purest and third-largest portfolio in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) & Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements (VMS) market globally.​

Our mission: to bring health in people’s hands by making self-care as simple as it should be for over half a billion consumers worldwide.​

At the core of this mission is our 100+ loved brands, our 11,000-strong global team, our 13 best-in-class manufacturing sites and four specialized science and innovation development centers. ​

Headquartered in France, Opella is the proud maker of many of the world’s most loved brands, including Allegra, Buscopan, Doliprane, Dulcolax, Enterogermina, Essentiale and Mucosolvan.​ B Corp certified in multiple markets, we are active players in the journey towards healthier people and planet.​

Find out more about our mission to bring health in your hands at www.opella.com.

The Formulation Chemist will play a key role in creating new products and improving existing ones by conducting research, experiments, and testing to ensure high-quality and effective formulations. This role demands technical knowledge in various galenic forms, creativity, digital experience and collaboration skills.  

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop and optimise pharmaceutical/nutraceutical formulations for new and existing products, including tablets, capsules, softgels, effervescents, and other dosage forms.

• Develop lab-scale prototypes applying GMPs in place and conduct analytical & sensory tests. Apply statistical methods and design of experiment to enhance product development efficiency and learning. Leverage digital tools to document formulas and instructions.

• Evaluate new raw materials for suitability, conduct stability studies to assess the shelf-life and performance of formulations under different conditions according to ICH guidelines. This involves preparing stability protocols, samples and Smartsheet.

• Participate in the scale-up process from laboratory to pilot and production scale, ensuring formulations are optimised for manufacturing. This also includes training manufacturing staff and providing technical support.

• Prepare and maintain accurate documentation, including experimental records, reports, and protocols. This also means report project outcomes, share learnings, participate in cross-functional teams, and provide insights and data to guide decisions and innovations.

• Troubleshoot formulation issues and identify potential solutions to improve product performance. It also involves writing master formula documents for registration, manufacturing instructions and bill of materials for commercial production.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including brand & innovation, project management, analytical, science, quality, sustainability and manufacturing to ensure products meet regulatory & sustainability requirements and quality standards and projects meet timing and budget targets.

• Keep abreast of current industry trends, scientific literature, and regulatory guidelines to inform formulation development. Maintain a strong interest in the activities and strategies of our competitors, as well as overall market trends. This involves not just understanding what exists but imagining new possibilities and translating them into technically feasible solutions.

• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, adhering to all safety protocols and best practices.

Qualification and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.

• A proven track record in developing product formulations and processes for nutraceutical products (at least 3 years of experience).

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with Contract Development and Manufacturing Organisations (CDMOs/CMOs), including presenting complex scientific data and technical topics to diverse stakeholders.

Desired Skills and Competencies:

• Highly organised with a methodical approach to managing multiple priorities, ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

• Proven problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities, with a sharp analytical mindset and keen attention to detail.

• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to work independently and a natural curiosity to drive continuous improvement.

• Adaptable, resilient, and innovative thinker, with the agility to navigate complex NPD projects.

• Advanced statistical analysis and experimental design capabilities, with strong digital literacy.

• Skilled in interpreting and critically evaluating scientific data, with the ability to provide strategic technical guidance and resolve complex issues.

• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks such as TGA, KFDA, and FSANZ is highly desirable.

• Committed to sustainability and familiarity with science-based product superiority principles.

• Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills, with a strong team orientation and a commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

• Experience working effectively in multi-disciplinary team environments.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).

Why us?

At Opella, you will enjoy doing challenging, purposeful work, empowered to develop consumer brands with passion and creativity. This is your chance to grow new skills and be part of a bold, collaborative, and inclusive culture where people can thrive and be at their best every day.

We Are Challengers.

We are dedicated to making self-care as simple as it should be. That starts with our culture. We are challengers by nature, and this is how we do things:

All In Together: We keep each other honest and have each other's backs.

Courageous: We break boundaries and take thoughtful risks with creativity.

Outcome-Obsessed: We are personally accountable, driving sustainable impact and results with integrity.

Radically Simple: We strive to make things simple for us and simple for consumers, as it should be.