Senior Scientist - Animal Health (Hybrid)

About Us:

Join Hartz, where our love for pets drives everything we do. With over 95 years of commitment to pet care excellence, we are a trusted household name across the United States. Innovation is at the heart of our mission as we continuously strive to provide products that nurture the special bond between pets and their owners, ensuring they experience nothing but Unconditional Love.

As leaders in the pet care industry, we are dedicated to pioneering advancements that enhance the well-being of pets, leading to happier, healthier, and longer lives. Our success is fueled by the passion and dedication of our diverse team members, who bring their unique perspectives and talents to every aspect of our work.

We are committed to cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment where individuals from all backgrounds and identities are valued and empowered to thrive. At Hartz, your contributions matter, whether collaborating in the office or embracing the flexibility of a hybrid work arrangement. Together, we empower our employees and furry companions to make a meaningful impact within our company and beyond. Join us in shaping the future of pet care and experience the joy of making a difference, one pet at a time.

What We Offer ...

• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in-office and 2 days remote)
• Up to 34 days of PTO a year (vacation, personal, wellness, sick, and company holidays)
• Paid parental leave and more
• Competitive compensation and 401(k) match with immediate vesting
• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA, Life & Disability Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement with learning and development opportunities
• Access to a range of perks, including a Mental Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pet bereavement, fun employee events, and more

The Role ...

We are seeking a Senior Scientist with experience in pesticide formulations, to join our Research and Development team. You will apply your advanced scientific expertise to create safe, effective, and market-leading products in the pet care industry. You will lead the formulation development process for innovative and enhanced chemical pet products, guiding them from concept through commercialization. This role primarily focuses on flea and tick control solutions, including topical drops, shampoos, sprays, and collar formulations, designed for companion animals.

This position is located at our Secaucus, NJ office, and has the flexibility to work a hybrid schedule.

Your Responsibilities ...

• Manage all aspects of chemical pesticide formula development from ideation to first production with minimal oversight
• Identify and develop new innovation and technologies by working closely with cross-functional teams, as well as raw material suppliers and contract manufacturers to meet the needs of Marketing, Consumers and their pets
• Work with the Procurement team on securing and approving new sources of ingredients to incorporate into both new and existing formulations to increase value and maintain or enhance product quality
• Evaluate ingredient changes and/or formulation enhancements by developing stability testing protocols and reviewing chemical analysis performed
• Monitor the progress of multiple laboratory formulation projects to ensure alignment with budgets and timelines
• Participate in cross-functional team meetings to convey R&D test results, challenges, project status, and timing
• Determine finished product specifications and develop batching procedures
• Partner with Analytical R&D and Biological Sciences to ensure all appropriate product evaluations and third-party tests are completed
• Guide the development and launch of new and improved products through the scale-up process and successful commercialization
• Provide brand support for assigned products
• Maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times
• Collaborate with Marketing and Regulatory teams to evaluate and assess the feasibility of new product ideas
• Serve as a member of the Hartz docket team for label review and approval
• Create and update new and existing SOP's as needed

You'll Need...

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Entomology, Animal Science, or related field with 7 years' experience in pesticide formulations, or a Master's Degree in one of the same or closely related fields with 5 years' experience in pesticide formulations
• Personal Care Experience: Prior experience and knowledge of shampoo and/or skin care ingredients in health products; knowledge of surfactant chemistry is a plus
• Formulation Development: Demonstrated ability in formulation development, stability testing/studies, and establishing specifications for both ingredient and finished product
• Laboratory Skills: Hands-on experience with basic formulation laboratory equipment, including pH meters, mixers, viscometers, balances, moisture analyzers, and density meters
• Data Analysis and Recordkeeping: Experience in scientific computations and record keeping, including maintaining accurate laboratory notebooks
• Regulations and Compliance Knowledge: Familiarity with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP's), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) product regulations, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Problem-solving Skills: Strong problem-solving skills with a proven ability to analyze challenges, develop effective solutions, and implementation
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Software Proficiency: Experience with formulation software
• Business Travel: Willingness and ability to travel to manufacturing facilities and industry/professional meetings (Domestic- 4-6 times a year)

Nice to Have...

• Pet Formulation Experience: Experience developing topical, shampoo, spray, and collar pet formulations
• Pesticide Regulations: Familiarity with EPA requirements for pesticide registrations
• Pesticide Experience: Experience working with insecticides, specifically for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes