Agricultural Principal Formulation Chemist – Davis, CA Area

Role Overview

The Principal Formulation Chemist will lead research and discovery activities across Wilbur-Ellis’ full portfolio of branded plant nutrition products, active ingredients, and adjuvants. This role is responsible for developing new technologies, exploring novel formulation strategies, and advancing early-stage concepts into robust prototypes. Working in a dedicated R&D environment, the chemist will drive innovation through experimental design, mechanistic studies, stability and compatibility analysis, and hands-on formulation science. This position partners closely with product management, sales enablement, marketing, regulatory, EHSS, and operations to translate scientific insights into differentiated, commercially viable solutions.

A Sample of What You’ll Do in this Role

• Research & Discovery
  - Lead exploratory research for plant nutritionals, actives, and adjuvants, identifying novel formulation approaches and emerging technologies.
  - Conduct mechanistic and physicochemical studies to understand ingredient functionality and interactions.
  - Perform compatibility, stability, and functionality testing to support early-stage concept development.
• Formulation & Product Development
  - Design and optimize advanced formulations for branded plant nutrition products, EPA registered active ingredients, and adjuvants.
  - Develop lab-scale prototypes and conduct iterative testing to refine performance, shelf life, and field utility.
  - Evaluate new raw materials, delivery systems, surfactants, carriers, and stabilizing technologies.
• Supportive Activities
  - Generate high-quality analytical data and interpret results into actionable recommendations.
  - Support competitive benchmarking by evaluating third-party technologies and industry trends.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  - Work with marketing, field sales, portfolio management, regulatory, and EHSS to advance concepts toward commercialization.
  - Provide scientific insight during early feasibility, labeling considerations, and regulatory strategy discussions.
  - Develop technical training materials for internal teams and support field education when needed.
• Laboratory Management
  - Assist daily lab operations, ensuring accurate data collection, equipment readiness, and safe working practices.
  - Assist and lead sample management, including sample preparation and shipping and receiving of research samples.

What You Bring To The Role

• A bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or a closely related field.
• 2+ years expertise in agricultural chemistry, ideally spanning fertilizer and plant nutrition, biologicals, active ingredients, and adjuvant technologies.
• Experience with biotechnology, plant metabolites, biochemical modes of action, and signaling compounds.
• Strong understanding of physical chemistry, colloidal systems, surfactants, solvents, emulsions, chelation, and controlled-delivery systems.
• Proven ability to design experiments and troubleshoot issues related to stability, compatibility, and performance.
• Familiarity with active ingredient behavior, adjuvant interactions, and nutrient uptake mechanisms.
• Experience in R&D or applied research environments; pilot-scale formulation experience a plus.

Compensation And Benefits

In compliance with all states and cities requiring transparency of pay, the base compensation for this position ranges from $115,400 - $161,620. Note that salary may vary based on location, skills, and experience. This position is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and vacation, holidays, health, dental, vision, mental health, and retirement plan participation, including an employer contribution of up to 7% into your 401(k).

Please note that salary ranges provided for this role on external job boards are salary estimates made by outside parties and may not be accurate. Our Commitment To Diversity & Inclusion
Diversity of people, cultures, opinions, and ideas makes us all stronger. From leadership commitment to employee buy-in, we know that creating an inclusive environment and providing opportunities for all employees to reach their full potential is a shared responsibility.

Wilbur-Ellis is a company you can be proud to call your employer. Wilbur-Ellis markets and distributes agricultural products, animal feed specialty chemicals, and food ingredients. A privately held and consistently profitable company, we employ more than 4,000 people throughout North America and Asia-Pacific. Wilbur-Ellis is For And About People. Wilbur-Ellis has enjoyed over 100 years of success and growth, all thanks to our people. Our employees are both leaders and team players who thrive on creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a dedication to quality work, our customers, and each other. Wilbur-Ellis invests in the industry’s best workforce. Wilbur-Ellis invests heavily in our employees by offering skill development and training, competitive compensation and benefits, and a tradition of promoting from within for a broad range of career opportunities. And we foster a supportive, people-first work environment.

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