AIR (Advanced Inhalation Rituals) · 2 days ago
Formulation Scientist
Berkeley, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
3+ years expAdvanced Inhalation Rituals – AIR is a leading innovator in the premium shisha, hookah, and tobacco accessories industry. They are seeking a highly skilled Formulation Scientist with expertise in e-liquid development and aerosol-generating systems to develop and optimize formulations for inhalable products. The role involves product development, analytical testing, documentation, compliance, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Medical DeviceHealthcareWellnessManufacturingRehabilitation
Responsibilities
Develop, optimize, and scale formulations for inhalable products such as e-liquids, vape systems, and other aerosolized consumer products
Develop, optimize, and scale formulations for other delivery format products
Conduct ingredient sourcing/screening and prototype development using established scientific methodologies and instrumentation to characterize the prototype formulas
Establish and maintain relationships with development ingredient and equipment vendors
Evaluate humectant systems, flavor ingredients, active compounds, and performance additives
Problem-solve and troubleshoot formulation challenges while maintaining the critical path towards product launches
Assess compatibility with device hardware, wicking systems, and heating technologies
Coordinate and participate in internal sensorial testing of prototypes
Perform bench-scale testing, characterization with laboratory instruments, and interpretation of physical, chemical, analytical and aerosol data
Coordinate stability testing, shelf-life modeling, and accelerated aging studies with third party labs
Collaborate with analytical labs to measure emissions, cannabinoid/nicotine delivery profiles, viscosity, GC-MS/HPLC outputs, and aerosol performance metrics
Maintain accurate formulation records, specifications, batch sheets, and technical reports
Use company software platforms for development such as product lifecycle management (PLM)
Ensure formulations meet regulatory, safety, and quality standards across global markets
Support regulatory submissions and provide scientific rationale as needed
Generate, support, and protect company Intellectual Property (IP)
Work closely with Regulatory, Quality, Sensory, Operations, and cross-functional R&D teams
Support pilot-plant activities, manufacturing scale-up, and technology transfer
Clearly communicate technical findings, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Food Science, or related technical field
3+ years of experience in formulation development for e‑liquids, vape products, aerosol systems, or similar consumer product categories
Strong understanding of humectants (e.g., PG, VG), nicotine systems, flavor chemistry, solubility and aerosol science
Experience with laboratory experimentation and common wet laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and safety
Ability to interpret analytical data (GC-MS, HPLC, viscosity, density, etc.) and draw necessary conclusions
Strong documentation, organization, and communication skills
Experience with spreadsheets, word processors, and presentation software (Microsoft preferred)
Preferred
Experience with hookah, shisha, molasses-based tobacco, or waterpipe formulations
Experience with smoking/puffing machines for testing purposes
Experience in cannabinoid formulations, including emulsions, distillates, isolates, and thermal behavior of cannabinoids in inhalable and non-inhalable products
Familiarity with device-material compatibility and various vaporization technologies
Knowledge of thermal degradation chemistry, aerosol generation, and consumer sensory evaluation
Experience supporting regulatory submissions, quality systems, or product stewardship documentation
Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) software
Experience with managing and coordinating sensory panel testing
Company
AIR (Advanced Inhalation Rituals)
Launched in 1999 and headquartered in Dubai, AIR is the global innovation leader in Social Inhalation with a multinational presence in over 90 markets across the world.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
unknown2025-11-07Acquired
Leadership Team
Leona Aguon
US HR Business Partner
Recent News
Business Wire
2025-12-10
Company data provided by crunchbase