A formulation scientist is responsible for creating and testing formulations or mixtures of various compounds. A formulation scientist, who is part chemist and part material scientist, determines which components are required and in what quantities to achieve a desired effect. Formulation scientists are responsible for the creation of nearly all blended products, from hair dye to house paint to pain relievers. Many formulation professionals work for laboratories or as in-house developers for manufacturers, but some also freelance or teach formulation science at the college level.
When attempting to create a new formula, a formulation scientist must follow several important steps. To ensure purity, raw materials or individual components must be gathered and tested. The scientist can then start mixing the ingredients together to make an initial batch of the formula. Chemical reactions, as well as changes in texture, color, viscosity, and stability, are observed and tested at each step. Once a batch has been perfected in the lab, a scientist can order more in-depth testing, such as testing an eyeshadow on people or animals to see if it causes allergic reactions.
Because of the large number of formulations used in commercial and industrial endeavors, many formulation scientists are involved in developing new and improved products. Some scientists specialize in a specific field, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, household goods, or even gasoline. Many formulation scientists may collaborate to develop new products and present them to the market in large corporations.
A formulation scientist must stay current with developments in his or her field in addition to his or her daily work in development, testing, and marketing. Scientists can keep up with new developments and scientific findings attending seminars, reading scholarly journals, and taking continuing education classes. Staying on the cutting edge of development can provide insight into new trends and narrow down development possibilities to suit the current market for scientists who want to develop their own products for marketing.
A formulation scientist can also work as a teacher, advancing his or her career providing a comprehensive education. Teachers are frequently employed universities rather than working in a laboratory or manufacturing facility, but they may continue to do productive scientific work on their own. Some teaching positions come with access to campus facilities and a research staff, allowing top scientists to pursue both personal development and the education of future scientists.