At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative formulations for skincare, haircare, and body products from scratch.
- Company: Skuu, a forward-thinking contract manufacturer shaking up the UK beauty industry.
- Benefits: Direct mentorship, fast growth opportunities, and a 4-day work week.
- Other info: Join a compact team where initiative is rewarded and creativity is encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a real impact with your formulations that hit the market, not just sit in a pipeline.
- Qualifications: An SCS Diploma or relevant degree in chemistry or cosmetic science; passion for formulation is key.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
The role Most formulation jobs will hand you a tight brief, a spec sheet, and a ceiling.
This one won't.
We're Skuu - a contract manufacturer and formulation house building something genuinely different in the UK beauty industry.
We work across skincare, haircare, and body, and we have a habit of asking why the industry does things a certain way before deciding whether to follow suit.
We need a junior formulation chemist who wants to be at the bench, not behind a desk.
Someone who finds the question \"what if we pushed this further?\" more interesting than \"what does the standard say?\"
You'll work directly alongside our NPD lead, developing new formulations from scratch across our full product range.
You'll run trials, test hypotheses, document your work, and build your instincts fast - because this environment will accelerate you in ways a larger, slower business simply can't.
- Skuu Group — Market Rasen, Lincolnshire
- On-site · 4 days/week · 10-hour days What you'll actually do
- Bench formulation across skincare, haircare, and body categories
- Develop new products from concept through to stable, manufacturable formula - For a range of customer brands across the sector, and for Skuu’s own brands.
- Run and interpret lab trials, iterate quickly, document clearly
- Challenge existing approaches - we don't do \"this is how it's always been done\"
- Collaborate closely with our NPD lead and wider technical team
What we're looking for An SCS Diploma or a relevant degree (chemistry, cosmetic science, or similar) gives you the baseline we need.
Beyond that, credentials matter a lot less than character.
We want someone who
- Gets genuinely excited about formulation — not as a job, but as a craft
- Learns fast and is honest about what they don't know yet
- Has the hunger to grow into a senior role, not just perform a junior one
- Shows up ready to do the work, not waiting to be told what it is
- Can take feedback, apply it, and come back sharper
If you've done personal projects, independent experimentation, or anything outside of a formal lab environment that shows you care about this — tell us about it. What we offer
- Direct mentorship from an experienced NPD lead in a hands-on environment
- Genuine scope to grow fast — this business is scaling and the team is compact
- Work that matters: your formulations will go to market, not sit in a pipeline
- A culture that rewards initiative rather than tenure
- 4-day working week (10-hour days) at our HQ in Market Rasen, Lincolnshire — 30 minutes from Lincoln city centre
How to apply Send us your CV and a short note - not a cover letter, just a few sentences - telling us what you've made, what it taught you, and what you want to get better at.
Applications that could have been written for any job won't make the cut. Show us who you actually are.
Apply to
Junior Formulation Chemist in Lincoln employer: Skuu
At Skuu, we pride ourselves on being an innovative contract manufacturer in the UK beauty industry, offering a unique opportunity for Junior Formulation Chemists to thrive in a hands-on, collaborative environment. With direct mentorship from experienced professionals and a culture that values initiative and creativity, you'll have the chance to develop impactful formulations that reach the market quickly. Our compact team and 4-day working week in Market Rasen provide an ideal setting for personal and professional growth, making Skuu an excellent employer for those passionate about their craft.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Formulation Chemist in Lincoln
✨Get Involved in the Chemistry Community
Engage with local chemistry societies and attend their events. Whether it's a conference or a seminar, these gatherings can be gold mines for networking and spotting job openings at companies like Skuu. Plus, being face-to-face with industry professionals can leave a lasting impression!
✨Utilise Online Platforms for Chemistry Jobs
Don’t just rely on mainstream job boards. Sites like Chemistry World and Chemjobs are specifically geared for our field. Set up alerts for new openings at places like Skuu to be the first to apply!
✨Showcase Your Research & Projects
Create a professional online portfolio that highlights your chemistry projects or research. This could be a blog or a simple website that showcases your skills and experience. When you apply to Skuu, you want them to see what you can do beyond the CV.
✨Connect With Recruiters Specialised in Chemistry
Reach out to recruitment agencies that focus on the chemistry sector. They often have inside tracks on job openings at companies like Skuu and can provide valuable advice tailored to full-time roles in our industry. Don't be shy to ask for insights!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Formulation Chemist in Lincoln
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:When applying for a chemistry position, make sure to highlight any lab experience you've got. Mention specific techniques and instruments you've worked with, as they can set you apart from other candidates. For us, demonstrating your practical skills is as important as your theoretical knowledge!
Tailor Your CV to Chemistry:It's essential to structure your CV in a way that’s appealing for a chemistry role. Highlight relevant projects, research publications, and coursework that demonstrate your expertise. If you’ve completed specific certifications, make sure to list those as well—they can really boost your chances!
Craft a Chemistry-Focused Cover Letter:In your cover letter, share your enthusiasm for the field of chemistry and why you want to work at Skuu. Talk about any research or projects that inspire you, and express your willingness to contribute to the team. We love seeing genuine passion for chemistry in applications!
Include Relevant References:Since chemistry roles can be quite specific, having reference letters from professors or previous employers in the field can be a huge plus. Make sure to include contacts who can vouch for your skills and dedication, as it adds credibility to your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skuu
✨Know Your Experiments
Get ready to chat about your hands-on experience in the lab. We should be prepared to discuss specific experiments we've conducted, the results, and any challenges we faced. This shows them we don't just know the theory but can apply it in practice!
✨Master the Technical Speak
Brush up on the relevant terminology and concepts in chemistry. Make sure we can discuss different chemical processes, analytical techniques, and safety protocols fluently, as they might throw some technical questions our way. Being precise and confident can really set us apart!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make a portfolio showcasing our best lab work and any research projects we've been involved in. It's a great way to demonstrate our skills and passion for chemistry. We should tailor it to highlight the aspects most relevant to Skuu and the Junior Formulation Chemist role.
✨Be Ready for Problem Solving
Expect some scenario-based questions where we might need to solve chemical problems on the spot. They could ask about unexpected results or how to improve a process. Let's practice thinking on our feet and explaining our thought process clearly!
