About the Position

🗼 Meet us at in-cosmetics 2026 in Paris | Stand 2M188

Ingredient Formulation Developer Specialist

About ISS – Ínclita Seaweed Solutions

ISS is an innovative and sustainable Portuguese marine biotech startup, dedicated to the discovery, development, production, and commercialisation of sustainable and innovative ingredients derived from seaweeds, tailored to the needs of customers in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and pet care. ISS is a spin-off from CIIMAR and is well funded and supported by a lead investor, a sizeable independent VC firm in Portugal with proven experience in successfully propelling Iberian startups into international markets.

About the Role

We are seeking a Formulation Developer to join our R&D team and lead the development of innovative cosmetic ingredient applications based on seaweed extracts. The candidate will play a key role in transforming algal bioactive compounds into high-value formulations for the cosmetics and personal care industries. This role requires a combination of scientific knowledge, formulation expertise, and regulatory awareness, along with a strong creative drive to develop and bring sustainable, effective products to market.

You will be a valuable member of the ISS formulation department at an up-and-coming marine biotech startup based in Portugal, working in close collaboration with an experienced and engaged R&D and Sales team. You will think and operate strategically, building a new product line that supports the company’s strategic goals and roadmap.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimise formulations of cosmetic ingredients and products (creams, emulsions, serums, gels, masks, cleansers) based on seaweed extracts.
• Evaluate the efficacy and properties of the ingredients, as well as their physicochemical stability, compatibility, and performance in final product formulations.
• Conduct lab-scale prototyping and support scale-up processes to pilot and industrial production. Provide technical support during manufacturing to troubleshoot any ingredient formulation-related challenges.
• Collaborate with extraction, analytical, and regulatory teams to align formulations with available actives, market trends, and compliance requirements.
• Document and report experimental procedures, results, and formulation specifications.
• Support preparation of technical dossiers, safety assessments, and regulatory submissions.
• Monitor market and scientific trends to identify new opportunities for innovation and differentiation in the natural cosmetics sector. Be updated with the latest developments in ingredient formulation science and technological advancements in the cosmetics industry.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including Sales, Project Management, Product Development, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Technical Operations, to ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.

Requirements

Skills:

• Degree in Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Industrial Biotechnology, Cosmetics Sciences, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, or similar.
• 2–5+ years of experience in formulation of cosmetics and/or nutraceuticals ingredients or products (academic + industrial).
• Proven track record of developing stable formulations with natural extracts.
• Strong knowledge of excipients, carriers, preservatives, and functional additives.
• Familiarity with EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 and/or EFSA nutraceutical guidelines.
• Experience in stability testing, quality control, pre-clinical assays, and GMP standards.
• Knowledge/experience in encapsulation and/or emulsions and/or exosomes techniques.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team.

Nice to Have:

• Experience in ingredients or cosmetics or nutraceutical products formulation.
• Experience in encapsulation and/or emulsions and/or exosomes techniques.
• Understanding of toxicology, allergenicity, and safety assessments.
• A creative and innovative mindset to propose unique formulations that highlight the company’s sustainable activities.
• Knowledge in pre-clinical cell culture assays.
• 5 years of experience.

Character:

• You are seeking breakthroughs and the freedom to express your ideas, act with autonomy and drive, and deploy your skills.
• You are a value multiplier, making people you work with and the company you work for better.
• You are a proven product developer with robust approaches, methods, and tools, and open to new ways of working.
• You are a team player with a nice personality who focuses on actions and results.
• You are keen to get things done.
• Not into jumping between projects, you are committed to joining a long-term effort to build a global, market-leading company (it may take 3-5 years).

We Offer

• A well-funded startup supported by an independent VC firm in Portugal as lead investor.
• Founders of senior and executive level experts, where every member raises the team’s EQ.
• Competitive salary and benefits vs. similar startups and SMEs.
• On-site work.
• A high-performing young startup that relies on a healthy culture, starting with the people we hire and how they interact.
• To have a team of people who like each other, are happy with their work, are committed and motivated, and communicate well, we believe that working together, shoulder to shoulder in the office, is essential.

Location

• Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto, Portugal.

Application Process

• Applications must be formalised by e-mail to [email protected]; and must explicitly state the announcement reference: ISS – Ingredient Formulation Developer Specialist.
• Application must include a curriculum vitae, detailed and structured, announcement identification, full name, and contact address, including email address and telephone.

Send application

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