Skincare Formulation Fellow
This position is hosted under the Constellations Fellowship Program at Climate Curve.
This summer, we are offering 50+ part-time, fully remote fellowship opportunities with 20+ KCP Laureate and Finalist organizations working at the forefront of climate innovation. These fellowships are designed for students and recent graduates seeking hands-on experience and meaningful careers in the climate space.
How to Apply:
- Review available fellowship positions, including responsibilities, qualifications, and time commitments:
https://www.climatecurve.org/constellations-positions - Submit your application here:
https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/P90wdZ81aXU7S9xz0CHjvQl
Application Deadline:
Sunday, May 3rd at 11:59 PM EST
Skincare Formulation Research Fellow
About the Organization
Symbrosia is a Hawaiʻi-based aquaculture company pioneering innovations in seaweed cultivation to drive a more sustainable and resilient future. Our work sits at the intersection of marine biology, agriculture, and product innovation, transforming how ocean resources are cultivated and applied across industries.
Our flagship product, SeaGraze®, is a red seaweed-based feed additive that reduces methane emissions from livestock while improving production efficiency. Building on our expertise in marine bioactives, we are also developing Lumara, a premium skincare line powered by polysaccharides extracted from sustainably farmed seaweed.
At Symbrosia, we are vertically integrating cultivation, processing, and product development to unlock the full potential of ocean-grown materials. Our team is focused on building scalable, science-driven solutions that deliver both environmental impact and commercial value.
Fellowship Description:
Role Overview
We’re seeking a Skincare Formulation & Bioprocessing Research Fellow to support the continued advancement of Lumara. This is a remote, part-time role (30 hours/week) focused on advancing extraction processes, refining formulations, and supporting new product development.
This role is highly ownership-driven and best suited for someone comfortable working independently, documenting rigorously, and contributing meaningfully to R&D outcomes in a distributed environment.
Core Focus Areas
Algal Polysaccharide Extraction & Processing
Advance extraction methods to improve quality, consistency, and functional performance
Evaluate key process parameters (temperature, pH, solvent systems)
Develop scalable, well-documented protocols
Explore preservation techniques that maintain bioactivity
Formulation Advancement (Existing Products)
Refine formulations for texture, absorption, stability, and performance
Optimize ingredient interactions within polysaccharide systems
Run iterative formulation trials with clear documentation
New Product Development
Support development of a new Lumara product from concept to prototype
Align formulation with targeted skin benefits
Contribute to technically grounded product positioning
Testing, Scale-Up & Documentation
Support transition from lab-scale to small-batch production (via remote coordination or partner labs)
Maintain SOPs, formulation logs, and reproducible documentation
Collaborate with internal team on testing results and iteration cycles
Working Style & Structure
Remote-first with asynchronous workflows
Weekly R&D sync and milestone tracking
Deliverable-based performance (not time-based)
Responsibilities:
Algal Polysaccharide Extraction & Processing
- Advance extraction methods for red seaweed-derived polysaccharides to maximize quality, consistency, and functional performance
- Evaluate key process parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, solvent systems) to enhance outcomes
- Develop and document scalable protocols to support production growth
- Explore preservation techniques that maintain bioactivity and integrity over time
- Formulation Advancement (Existing Products)
- Refine current Lumara formulations to further enhance texture, absorption, stability, and overall user experience
- Optimize ingredient interactions to maximize performance of polysaccharide systems
- Conduct iterative formulation trials and maintain clear, structured records
New Product Development
- Support the development of a new Lumara product from concept through prototype
- Align formulation strategy with targeted skin benefits (e.g., hydration, barrier support, radiance)
- Develop and refine prototypes based on performance testing and internal feedback
- Contribute to technically grounded product positioning and claims
Testing, Scale-Up & Documentation
- Support transition from lab-scale formulations to small-batch production
- Assist with batching, mixing, and process standardization
- Maintain SOPs, formulation logs, and technical documentation to ensure reproducibility
Qualifications:
- Background in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Cosmetic Science, Biology, or related field
- Experience or strong interest in extraction methods and formulation science
- Strong experimental design and documentation discipline
- Comfortable working independently in a fast-moving R&D environment
- Interest in marine systems and climate-positive products
Time Commitment: 30 hours / week