The Client New Labs Australia Pty Ltd Trading As New Laboratories is a Melbourne-based, GMP and FDA-certified cosmetic contract manufacturer located in Braeside, Victoria. They specialize in R&D, formulating, and manufacturing high-quality skin, hair, body, and colour cosmetics for brands. The company offers full-service solutions, from product conceptualization to high-volume manufacturing. They now seek an experienced Quality Control Chemist to join their team in Braeside, Victoria. The Role The QC Chemist is responsible for conducting laboratory-based research, testing, and evaluation to support the development, refinement, and assurance of product quality and chemical integrity. The role involves hands-on experimentation, analytical testing, documentation, and collaboration with cross-functional departments to ensure that chemical processes and products meet safety, quality, and performance standards. The Chemist plays a vital role in maintaining technical excellence, driving product innovation, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives across the company's operations. This is a full-time role with an annual salary set at $95,000 Superannuation, and is based in Braeside, Victoria. Responsibilities Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of raw materials, intermediates, and finished products using standard laboratory methods (e.g., pH meter, viscometer, specific gravity cups, etc.). Support new product development by formulating, testing, and optimizing chemical processes. Develop and validate testing procedures and ensure accurate, reproducible results in compliance with relevant standards. Prepare and maintain technical documentation, including quality control reports, certificates of analysis (COA), method SOPs, safety data sheets, and regulatory submissions. Maintain laboratory equipment, ensuring regular calibration, cleanliness, and operational readiness. Ensure strict adherence to chemical safety protocols, environmental standards, and occupational health requirements. Investigate non-conformities, product defects, or process deviations and propose technical solutions or process adjustments. Contribute to research projects that explore new chemical applications or alternative raw materials. Provide technical support and consultation to production teams to solve manufacturing or quality issues. Monitor industry trends, scientific publications, and regulatory updates to keep laboratory practices and product development aligned with best practices. Support training and development initiatives for junior lab personnel and interns. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Science, Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, or a related discipline. Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in laboratory-based roles, preferably in a chemical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, or manufacturing industry. Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 17025, GLP, or GMP standards is a strong advantage. Minimum 3 years experience performing advanced analytical testing including chromatographic, spectroscopic and physicochemical analysis Minimum 3 years experience in reviewing batch documentation, setting product specification, authorising release decision and managing quality deviation investigation Minimum 3 years experience conducting method validation, analytical troubleshooting, stability study design and data interpretation Demonstrated working knowledge of GMP, ISO 22716, FDA cosmetic regulation and TGA regulatory framework Strong knowledge of formulation chemistry including emulsion system, surfactant chemistry, preservative system, rheology modifier and pigment dispersion science Experience using laboratory quality management system, electronic document control platform and statistical analysis software for trend evaluation Advanced problem solving capability with experience applying scientific reasoning to root cause analysis and corrective action implementation Sound understanding of workplace health and safety legislation, chemical hazard classification and laboratory risk control framework
