JobsSC Johnson

Associate Manager, Research and Development - Skin Science & Formulation

SC Johnson · WI

Posted Sep 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 20, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

Behavioral

Walk me through a skin-applied formulation you developed from early concept to commercialization. What was the biggest technical hurdle and how did you solve it?

whether the candidate has real end-to-end ownership of formulation projects, not just bench-level contribution

Have you ever pulled a technology or ingredient idea from an adjacent industry, like cosmetics or pharma, and applied it somewhere it hadn't been used before? What happened?

the cross-industry translation skill the posting explicitly calls out as core to the role

Tell me about a time your formulation project's timeline or budget was at risk. What did you do?

project management maturity, since the role explicitly owns technical risk, timelines, and budgets

Describe your experience working with entomologists, toxicologists, regulatory experts, or packaging engineers on a single project. What made that collaboration work or not work?

whether the candidate can operate effectively inside the heavily cross-functional structure this role sits in

Have you built or contributed to intellectual property, like a patent or novel formulation technology? Walk me through how that idea came about.

track record of generating protectable innovation, not just incremental formulation tweaks

Technical

Tell me about the delivery system technologies you've worked with, things like emulsions, gels, aerosols, or polymer-based systems. Which one do you know best and where have its limits shown up in your work?

depth of hands-on formulation chemistry knowledge across the specific technology types this job touches

How would you design a study to measure dermal absorption or skin permeation for a new active ingredient going into a repellent product?

whether the candidate can actually build rigorous, defensible skin-performance testing protocols, not just cite them

What do you know about EPA registration requirements as they apply to insect repellent products, and how has regulatory strategy shaped a formulation decision you've made?

real familiarity with the specific regulatory environment for pesticide-adjacent skin products, which is different from standard cosmetics regulation

What's an example of a formulation ingredient or process you moved toward a greener or more sustainable alternative? What tradeoffs did you have to accept?

genuine experience with sustainable chemistry versus just listing it as a buzzword

Situational

Say you're developing a new on-skin repellent and the wear-time data looks great in the lab but early consumer panels say the product feels greasy or tacky. How would you diagnose and fix that tension between performance and sensory experience?

ability to balance efficacy claims against consumer experience, a core tension in this role

If toxicology flagged a potential skin sensitivity concern with an ingredient you were championing late in development, how would you handle that conversation and the decision that follows?

how the candidate manages cross-functional pushback and prioritizes consumer safety over sunk project cost

Suppose leadership asks you to set the skin science technology roadmap for the next three years with limited data on emerging ingredients. How would you approach building that roadmap?

strategic thinking and comfort setting technical direction under uncertainty, since this is a stated responsibility of the role

How do you explain a complex formulation tradeoff, like efficacy versus skin feel versus cost, to a non-technical business partner who needs to make a go or no-go call?

communication skill across technical and business audiences, which the posting flags as a required skill

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The full job description

As published by SC Johnson.

SC Johnson has been leading with purpose for 140 years, building high-quality products and iconic brands found in homes, schools and businesses in virtually every country worldwide – including OFF!®, Raid®, Glade®, Windex®, Scrubbing Bubbles®, Ziploc®, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day®, method®, Autan®, Baygon®, Mr Muscle®, Duck®, Lysoform® and more. The 13,000 people of our global, fifth-generation family company are committed to making the world a better place today and for future generations. ABOUT THE ROLE What if your expertise in formulation science could help create the next generation of products trusted by millions of consumers around the world? What if you could have a direct impacting in shaping the future of skin care innovation at SC Johnson? We are looking for an innovative formulation scientist to lead the development of breakthrough skin-applied technologies that redefine performance in our global insect repellent portfolio. As an Associate Manager of Research and Development (R&D), you will apply your chemistry subject matter expertise to skin science, cosmetic or pharmaceutical formulation, and consumer product development to solve real-world challenges while advancing technologies that improve everyday life. If you're energized by turning scientific discovery into commercially successful products—and enjoy collaborating across disciplines to bring innovations from concept to consumer—this could be an exciting next step in your career. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES As the technical expert for skin science and formulation technologies, you'll lead the development of next-generation on-skin repellent products that deliver exceptional consumer experiences and industry-leading performance. You'll have the opportunity to: Drive Skin Science Innovation • Lead the development and execution of SC Johnson's skin science technology roadmap for on-skin formulations. • Explore emerging ingredients, materials, and technologies that improve product feel, efficacy, wear time, and overall consumer experience. • Develop advanced laboratory methods to evaluate skin performance, including skin feel, evaporation, wear duration, dermal absorption, and skin compatibility. • Develop clinical-level studies to assess the performance of repellent products on skin. • Stay at the forefront of scientific and regulatory advancements by collaborating with universities, research institutions, industry organizations, and government agencies. Develop Breakthrough Formulations • Design and commercialize innovative formulations that support SC Johnson's global repellents portfolio. • Identify technologies from adjacent industries—including cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceuticals, and dermatology—and translate them into new product innovations. • Lead formulation projects from concept through commercialization, managing technical risk, timelines, budgets, and project execution. • Establish performance specifications and testing methods that ensure products consistently deliver exceptional consumer benefits. • Collaborate closely with entomologists, toxicologists, regulatory experts, packaging engineers, and cross-functional business partners to bring new products to market. Advance Scientific Leadership • Build intellectual property through novel formulation technologies and ingredient applications. • Help expand SC Johnson's technical capabilities by introducing new testing methods, technologies, and scientific partnerships. • Influence technical strategy while serving as a trusted subject matter expert across global project teams. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE YOU’LL BRING • PhD in cosmetic science, pharmaceutical formulation, chemistry, biochemistry or similar scientific discipline with 3+ years of relevant R&D experience including commercialization of consumer preferred solutions, -OR- • Master's degree in Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Formulation, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with 4+ years of relevant R&D experience including commercialization of consumer preferred solutions, -OR- • Bachelor's degree in Cosmetic Science, Pharmaceutical Formulation, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or related field with 6+ years of relevant R&D experience including commercialization of consumer preferred solutions. • Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship for full-time employment. PREFERRED EXPERIENCES AND SKILLS • PhD • Experience in a corporate or business setting developing cosmetic or skin care products and understanding of the functional properties, proper use, and the environmental impact of common skin care formulation ingredients • Scientific aptitude & curiosity, and the ability to solve technical problems related to formulation • Provide innovative ideas and knowledge with a high degree of integrity, speed, and a results-oriented approach • Possess an understanding of regulatory processes (i.e., EPA registrations); experience • Knowledge of the product development process and experience related to various formulation and delivery system technologies related to products (e.g., aerosol formulation, emulsion chemistry, gel formulation, polymer chemistry, reaction products, surfactants, solvents, builders) • Experience in repellents industry, and familiarity with pest control products • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate accurately and concisely to multiple levels within the company • Experience with formulating green and sustainable chemistries • Background in skin barrier, permeation and dermal sensitivity studies JOB REQUIREMENTS • Position is Full-Time, regular business hours, Monday-Friday. • This position will be located at Louis Commons office in Racine area. • Remote work is available once a week following a 90-day onboarding period. • Ability to lift 10 – 40 pounds. • Some domestic or international travel may be required • This position is NOT eligible for relocation BENEFITS AND PERKS SC Johnson’s total compensation packages are at or above industry levels. In addition to salary, total packages may include bonuses, long-term incentives, matching 401(k) contributions and profit sharing based on company profitability, job level and years of service. As a family company, we’re committed to providing benefits such as subsidized health care plans, maternity/paternity/adoption leave, flexible work arrangements, vacation purchase options, recreation and fitness centers, childcare, counseling services and more.   Inclusion & Diversity We’re a global business, with people from every culture, ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and ability. We recognize the breadth of human experience, and we work to celebrate it. It is our goal to build a diverse, inclusive and supportive work environment where all people can thrive. We’re committed to ongoing efforts that help us attract, hire, and retain diverse talent who want to build a positive, inclusive environment. Read more about our ongoing initiatives at https://jobs.scjohnson.com/inclusion . Better Together At SC Johnson, we believe people achieve their best when they collaborate and work together in person. We value connection to strengthen teamwork, accelerate problem solving, and drive innovation. Equal Opportunity Employer The policy of the Company is to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, gender identity, gender expression, disability, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in any active or reserve component of the U.S. or state military forces, genetic history or information or any other category protected by law. Accommodation Requests If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation or other assistance during the application process, please call our Human Resources department at 262-260-3343 or email your request to SCJHR@scj.com . All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Download the EEO Know Your Rights poster  for more information.

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