Spreading Joy Through Earth’s Gifts Since 1980 For over 45 years, the spirit of Kuumba has inspired everything we do. It all began with our founder, a deeply compassionate woman whose powerful connection to nature and unshakable spirit of adventure shaped who we are today. After traveling the world exploring diverse cultures and their traditional plant remedies, Denise "Kuumba" Piazza, came to understand that the earth provides everything we need to care for ourselves and one another. She learned to transform nature’s beautiful gifts into products that nurture and uplift—always with the intention of spreading love and care. That love is woven into every formula, every step of the process, and every batch we create. As Kuumba Made employees, we are part of something meaningful. Every product we craft, every order we ship, and every interaction we have reflects our shared values. We are a people-first company, and the heart we put into our work is what makes Kuumba Made truly special. Kuumba Made is a proudly woman-owned, WBENC-certified company based in Tucson, Arizona. For 45 years, we have been handcrafting natural personal care products with intention, care, and a deep respect for the power of plants. Ready to make a real impact? Explore open roles and apply today.

Research & Development Specialist

Overview

The Research & Development (R&D) Specialist is responsible for supporting the development, testing, evaluation, and improvement of fragrance and cosmetic products. Assists in creating innovative formulations aligned with market trends, regulatory requirements, brand standards, and consumer preferences. The role collaborates closely with product development, marketing, quality assurance, manufacturing, suppliers, and regulatory teams to bring new products from concept through commercialization.

Essential Functions

• Develops and refines cosmetic, skincare, personal care, and fragrance formulations.
• Conducts research on raw materials, fragrance oils, active ingredients, and emerging market trends.
• Assists in the creation of new product concepts and line extensions.
• Evaluates product stability, compatibility, texture, color, scent, and overall performance.
• Prepares laboratory batches, prototypes, and product samples.
• Performs product testing and maintains accurate laboratory records, formulation documentation, and test results.
• Ensures formulations comply with applicable cosmetic and fragrance regulations and safety standards.
• Assists with ingredient reviews and compliance with FDA, IFRA, GMP, and other applicable regulations.
• Maintains technical documentation, specifications, and formulation records.
• Supports product claims substantiation and labeling review processes.
• Works closely with manufacturing teams to support scale-up and production processes.
• Collaborates with marketing and sales teams regarding product positioning, fragrance profiles, and consumer trends.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to product innovation and operational efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in research, development, and production of fragrance, cosmetics, or food industry.

OR an equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience that results in the successful performance of the job. Additional education may substitute for required experience on one-for-one year basis or vice versa.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of cosmetic and fragrance formulation principles.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with compounding, mixing, or blending operations in a production setting.
• Understanding of fragrance raw materials and safe handling practices.
• Knowledge of GMP, ISO standards, or similar regulatory environments.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise instructions.
• Basic math and computer skills for batching and documentation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

• Work requires lifting 25-30 pounds or more and wearing protective equipment; exposure to extreme weather, noise, hazards; requiring climbing, crawling, lying, and working under pressure.
• Extended periods standing and moving throughout the building interacting with department heads.
• Long periods on various computing platforms conducting detailed and analytical research.
• Extended use of various lab and analytical equipment.

Full-Time

Mon-Fri, 8a-5p

Annual Salary: $65,000-$90,000; commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Benefits; medical, dental, vision, 401K, 401K match, Paid Time Off, Employee discount program.