Symbrosia Inc
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