- main duties and typical tasks: researching and developing new products and improving existing ones, developing new formulations, conducting experiments, testing the ingredients’ stability and safety, optimising their texture, preparing documentation including batch records, preparing and testing prototypes in the lab, documenting recipes, cooperation with other departments
- requirements: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a field such as chemistry, pharmacy or chemical engineering (some employers require a master’s degree or PhD), experience in a laboratory setting and knowledge of industry-specific regulations, proficiency in analytical techniques for testing product stability
- career path: junior formulation scientist/assistant scientist/chemists – formulation scientist – senior formulation scientist – lead formulation scientist/manager
- key skills: hands-on experience, attention to detail, critical thinking, adaptability, time management, technical communication
- workplace: R&D companies/departments, private label companies
• main duties and typical tasks: testing, monitoring and maintaining equipment and conducting regular tests to make sure the equipment complies with applicable standards, researching, pricing and assisting in the purchase of new equipment, collecting and interpreting data on efficiency and budgets, designing, modifying and overseeing processes to guarantee maximum output with minimum defects in the production line
• requirements: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering or manufacturing engineering, proficiency in simulation software, data analysis, technical knowledge of manufacturing systems
• career path: junior/graduate process engineer – process engineer – senior process engineer – lead process engineer – process engineering manager/operations manager/director of operations
• key skills: excellent mathematical skills, analytical skills, familiarity with machinery, software knowledge
• workplace: manufacturing plants, factories, refineries and laboratories
- main duties and typical tasks: overseeing the entire manufacturing process, setting productivity goals, allocating resources for the production department, managing the production budget and implementing cost-saving measures, ensuring all products meet quality standards, resolving problems or delays in production
- requirements: a bachelor’s degree in business administration, industrial engineering or supply chain management (some companies require a Master of Business Administration)
- career path: production operator/technician/assistant – production supervisor/shift manager/team leader – production manager/assistant plant manager – plant manager/production director/head of operations
- key skills: strong leadership and team management, problem-solving approach, analytical thinking, time management and organisational skills, budgeting and cost-control expertise, strategic thinking, adaptability under pressure
- workplace: pharmaceutical companies, defence sector, aerospace manufacturers, electronic and electrical goods manufacturers
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- main duties and typical tasks: ensuring that products and ingredients comply with legal requirements, monitoring them (e.g. EU cosmetic regulations), contact with authorities and national registers, preparation of regulatory documentation (Product Information File – PIF), management of labelling and product notifications, and safety assessment of raw materials (in cooperation with a safety assessor)
- requirements: degree in chemistry, law, or specialization in regulatory affairs, knowledge of EU cosmetic legislation, strong documentation skills, proficiency in legal/technical English
- key skills: strong understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks (e.g., EU cosmetic legislation), excellent written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail and thorough documentation skills, proficiency in legal and technical English, ability to interpret and analyse legislation and standards, good negotiation and interpersonal skills for liaising with authorities
- career path: regulatory specialist – senior regulatory specialist – head of regulatory affairs – compliance director
- workplace: regulatory departments in cosmetic companies, regulatory consultants, certification bodies, safety assessor companies
Packaging Development Specialist / Packaging Engineer
• main duties and typical tasks: designing and selecting packaging (bottles, tubes, pumps), ensuring compatibility with the formula, durability, production efficiency, and compliance with sustainability requirements, conducting compatibility testing and creating prototypes, collaboration with packaging suppliers, optimisation of filling and labelling processes, cost management and scalability
• requirements: degree in materials engineering, chemical engineering, or industrial design, knowledge of materials (plastics, glass, paper), understanding of filling processes and packaging machinery, focus on sustainable solutions
• key skills: creativity and innovative thinking in packaging design, strong technical understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, problem-solving skills for compatibility and durability issues, project management and organizational skills, good collaboration and communication skills with suppliers and internal teams, focus on sustainability and environmental impact considerations
• career path: packaging engineer – packaging manager – head of packaging / procurement
• workplace: cosmetic manufacturers, packaging suppliers, design agencies, packaging machinery manufacturers
• main duties and typical tasks: ensuring the safety, stability, and quality of beauty products by testing for bacteria, mold, and yeast, validating preservative systems, monitoring production environments for contamination, ensuring regulatory compliance
• requirements: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, cosmetic science, or industrial microbiology
• career path: laboratory technician/QC analyst - cosmetic microbiologist/microbiology supervisor - senior microbiologist
• key skills: attention to detail, analytical thinking, strong documentation skills, problem-solving ability, communication skills, time management, ability to follow strict safety protocols
• workplace: skincare brands, haircare companies, makeup brands
• main duties and typical tasks: inspecting and testing incoming raw materials, performing physical, chemical, and microbiological tests, verifying supplier certificates of analysis (COA), approving or rejecting materials, ensuring materials meet regulatory standards (GMP, ISO), documenting results and maintaining compliance records, investigating material deviations or contamination, coordinating with suppliers and procurement teams
• requirements: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in microbiology, chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, cosmetic science
• career path: QC analyst/raw material analyst – raw material specialist/QA officer/validation officer
• key skills: high attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, communication with suppliers & production teams, integrity
• workplace: manufacturing companies, quality control laboratories, pharmaceutical plants, cosmetic factories, raw material inspection units
Product development specialist
• main duties and typical tasks: driving the creation and launch of new beauty products, from conceptualization to market, by merging creative trends with technical formulation, safety, and regulatory compliance, managing the product’s lifecycle, including vendor selection, ingredient sourcing, and packaging
• requirements: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in cosmetic science, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences etc. (some companies require a master’s degree)
• career path: R&D assistant/formulation chemist trainee – product development specialist/formulation scientist – senior formulation scientist/R&D manager/innovation manager
• key skills: knowledge of the formulation, regulatory knowledge, creativity, problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, cross-team collaboration, time management, commercial awareness
• workplace: cosmetic manufacturing companies, pharmaceutical companies, R&D laboratories, product innovation departments
