Sr Formulation Scientist

Role details

Senior Formulation Scientist

Location: Geneva, NY

Reports To: Chief Chemist Employment Type: Full-Time

About VM Agritech (VMA)

At VM Agritech, we develop science-driven products that protect the health of plants, people, and soil. Our innovations deliver powerful results without compromising what matters. We provide solutions that are effective against pathogens and supportive of healthier plants, people, and ecosystems.

Position Summary

The science apparatus at VMA exists to innovate and commercialize new agrochemicals. Scientists within that apparatus contribute to its value by originating and patent-protecting novel compositions of matter, investigating their use cases through a combined program of laboratory and field testing, securing regulatory approval in the US and abroad for the most compelling entities and use cases, transferring registered products into commercial manufacturing, and supporting other functions within VMA as a technical SME.

Key Responsibilities

We want to hire a Senior Formulation Scientist who will:

• Assess the current state-of-the-art of agrochemical formulations through the consumption of scientific, patent, and popular literature
• Based on that assessment, rationally design new commercially viable formulations to either complement or obsolete entries in VMA’s current catalog
• These compositions are generally delivery systems for either fine or specialty organic or inorganic small molecules or polymers, or biogenic large molecules or microbes
• The most desirable format will vary based on the use case – e.g., they may be either waterborne, solid or liquid dispersions, emulsions or other colloids, or pelletized solids
• Prepare test samples of candidate agrochemical compositions for laboratory and field testing
• Specify, procure, and maintain laboratory and other capital equipment
• Develop and operate methods to assay agrochemical lead compounds, e.g., for efficacy against a pathogen *in vitro*, for chemical compatibility with tank mix partners, for suitability as a spray adjuvant, and in other capacities as required
• Usually in consultation with other functions within VMA, define the scope of work for collaborations with external organizations, including colleges / universities, contract research labs / farms, toll manufacturers, consultants, and other service providers
• Organize material deliveries for outside collaborators
• Continually update VMA’s marketing and training material with new results from internal and external research and development
• Collect the results of VMA’s research programs for dissemination in various forms – e.g., marketing and training material, patent applications, journal and extension articles, and regulatory filings
• Travel to visit and sometimes present at customers, suppliers, manufacturing partners, grower meetings, field days, conferences, and expositions
• Comply with federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, to include maintaining required certifications and licenses, and staying current on other required workplace training
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Education:

• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a natural science is required
• An advanced degree is preferred, especially in, e.g., cosmetics, pharmaceutics, chemistry, chemical engineering

• Experience:

• A minimum of 6 years postbaccalaureate experience, including graduate education, is required
• Recent experience in agrochemicals is preferable, but not essential

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid company holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible work arrangements