Formulation Scientist

vVARDIS is a Swiss-based oral health company founded by Dr. Haleh and Dr. Golnar Abivardi, dentists, innovators, and award-winning entrepreneurs. vVARDIS is the result of a combined 30 years of dental and entrepreneurial experience, and 20 years of laboratory and clinical research paired with the creative vision of its founders.

At vVARDIS, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that enhance oral health and well-being, inspired by the vision of our founders to foster preventive rather than reparative dentistry. At the heart of our Company lies its patented, revolutionary biomimetic peptide technology. Scientifically proven in over 200 publications, this unique technology can treat early caries through enamel regeneration, like no other technology can do, offering a non-invasive, pain-free solution for patients of all ages. We offer several oral health products targeting dental professionals and their patients, as well as consumers, all based on our proprietary technology.

We value our people and believe in fostering a positive and collaborative work environment, based on our core values of innovation, excellence, integrity, and empathy.

We are located in Zug, Switzerland, with operations in Europe and the US. Join us on this exciting journey!

Department: R&D

Reports To: Head of Laboratory / R&D Manager

Location: Schlieren Biotech Park, Zurich, Switzerland

Employment Type: Permanent, Full-time (100%)

Purpose of Role:

The Formulation Scientist will contribute to the development, optimization, and characterization of innovative oral care and dental products. This role is responsible for designing and executing formulation experiments, evaluating stability and product performance, and supporting the progression of formulations from early development through scale-up.

The ideal candidate combines solid scientific knowledge in formulation science with strong hands-on laboratory skills, attention to detail, and a practical problem-solving mindset.

Key Responsibilities:

Design, develop, and optimize formulations for oral care, dental, cosmetic, OTC, and medical device products. Conduct laboratory experiments involving emulsions, suspensions, gels, liquids, powders, and multi-component systems. Assess compatibility of active ingredients with excipients, packaging materials, and processing conditions. Plan and perform stability studies, performance testing, and formulation screening. Support the development of delivery systems for innovative active ingredients. Troubleshoot formulation challenges such as phase separation, viscosity changes, precipitation, sensory issues, and shelf-life limitations. Maintain accurate laboratory records, technical reports, and formulation documentation. Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and external partners as required. Support scale-up activities, and manufacturing transfer projects. Work in compliance with laboratory safety, quality, and regulatory procedures. Stay informed on new raw materials, formulation technologies, and industry trends. Ensure laboratory compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards where applicable.Stay informed on new raw materials, formulation technologies, and market trends.

Required Qualifications:

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, Material Science, Chemical Engineering, or related discipline.Minimum 3 years of industrial experience in formulation development.Experience with personal care, oral care, pharmaceutical, or medical device formulations.Strong hands-on laboratory skills with an analytical and solution-oriented mindset.Experience with stability testing and formulation characterization, including rheology, texture, viscosity, or related techniques.Knowledge of nanoparticle, colloidal, or advanced material-based formulations is desirable.Familiarity with scale-up and manufacturing processes is an advantage.Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g., GMP, ISO, GLP, medical device, or pharmaceutical setting) is an advantage.Structured, detail-oriented, and organized working style.Fluent in English; German is a strong advantage.

What this role offers you:

• Opportunity to work on innovative dental and oral care technologies.
• Hands-on involvement in product development from concept to commercialization.
• High visibility and ownership within a dynamic R&D environment.
• Collaboration with experienced scientists and cross-functional teams.
• Strong opportunities for professional growth and development.

Your Personality:

You are curious, practical, and motivated by solving technical challenges. You enjoy hands-on laboratory work and translating ideas into robust product solutions. You are proactive, adaptable, and committed to high-quality execution.