Fragrance Chemist

Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and innovative Fragrance Chemist to join our team, specializing in the hydro distillation process for extracting high-quality agarwood essential oil and developing fragrances. The ideal candidate will have expertise in essential oil extraction, particularly agarwood (Oud), and a passion for perfume formulation. You will work with both natural and synthetic ingredients to create unique and high-end fragrances, while focusing on the hydro distillation process to optimize the extraction of agarwood oil. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with one of the world’s most precious and sought-after essential oils.

Key Responsibilities:

Hydro Distillation of Agarwood Essential Oil:

• Conduct hydro distillation to extract high-quality agarwood (Oud) essential oil from raw Aquilaria wood, ensuring maximum yield, purity, and preservation of aromatic properties.
• Oversee the setup and maintenance of distillation equipment, ensuring optimal conditions for the extraction of agarwood oil.
• Continuously monitor the distillation process, adjusting parameters such as temperature, pressure, and duration to enhance the extraction process.
• Evaluate the chemical composition and purity of agarwood essential oil to ensure it meets industry standards and quality requirements.
• Develop new methods and improve existing protocols for extracting agarwood oil more efficiently and sustainably.

Perfume Development:

• Use the extracted agarwood essential oil to create luxury perfume formulations, blending it with other essential oils, aromatic compounds, and synthetic materials to develop unique and complex scents.
• Formulate and test different perfume compositions, evaluating their longevity, projection, and sensory appeal.
• Balance the artistic and technical aspects of fragrance development, ensuring each formula is innovative while adhering to market trends and consumer preferences.
• Collaborate with marketing and design teams to ensure the fragrances resonate with the target market, ensuring high-quality products for luxury and niche perfume lines.

Research and Innovation:

• Research new trends in fragrance development and essential oil extraction, staying up-to-date with innovations in the perfume industry.
• Explore the possibilities of blending agarwood with other rare and high-quality essential oils to create distinct fragrance profiles.
• Investigate the impact of different distillation techniques, plant varieties, and environmental factors on the quality and aroma of the agarwood essential oil.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop new products and optimize existing formulations, ensuring that all products are of the highest quality.

Quality Control and Safety:

• Perform rigorous quality control testing on the agarwood oil and final perfume products to assess their composition, stability, and fragrance intensity.
• Ensure that all extraction processes, formulations, and products meet health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Maintain meticulous records of all distillation processes, formulations, and quality tests to ensure traceability and product consistency.
• Identify and troubleshoot issues related to the distillation or fragrance formulation process, recommending improvements as needed.

Sustainability and Environmental Practices:

• Implement sustainable practices in both the agarwood oil extraction and fragrance formulation processes, focusing on reducing waste and environmental impact.
• Stay informed about the ethical sourcing of agarwood and work with suppliers to ensure the responsible and sustainable harvesting of Aquilaria species.
• Contribute to the company’s environmental goals by promoting sustainable and eco-friendly packaging and production practices for perfume products.

Collaboration and Reporting:

• Collaborate with other chemists, perfumers, and production teams to create new product lines and meet customer specifications.
• Prepare and present research findings, distillation results, and new fragrance compositions to senior management, product development teams, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in training junior staff and laboratory assistants in distillation techniques, fragrance formulation, and quality control procedures.

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Perfumery, or a related field, with a specialization in fragrance chemistry or essential oil production.
• Additional training or certification in fragrance development or perfumery is a plus.

Experience:

• At least 3-5 years of experience in fragrance chemistry, essential oil extraction, or perfume formulation, with a focus on hydro distillation techniques.
• Experience working with agarwood essential oil (Aquilaria species) or other high-value essential oils is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with perfume blending techniques, including working with both natural and synthetic ingredients.
• Proven track record of creating successful fragrance products and understanding of industry standards for fragrance quality.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of hydro distillation processes, essential oil extraction, and the chemistry of agarwood essential oil.
• Expertise in perfume formulation, blending techniques, and evaluating fragrance performance.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and the ability to innovate in the fragrance creation process.
• Excellent attention to detail, with a keen sense of smell and an understanding of fragrance composition and evaluation.
• Proficiency in laboratory equipment, including distillation apparatus, analytical tools, and fragrance testing methods.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.

Key Competencies:

• Passion for fragrance creation, with a deep appreciation for the artistry and science of perfumery.
• Strong research and development mindset, with an ability to innovate and adapt to new challenges.
• Commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly practices in fragrance production.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet project deadlines while maintaining the highest quality standards.
• An analytical and methodical approach to distillation and fragrance testing.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position with standard working hours, although evening and weekend hours may be required for specific project timelines or production schedules.
• The position may involve working in a laboratory or production environment with exposure to chemicals and distillation equipment.
• Occasional travel may be required for research purposes, product testing, or industry events.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: RM4,614.09 - RM8,785.31 per month

Expected hours: No more than 48 per week

Benefits:

• Maternity leave
• Professional development

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Supplemental Pay:

• Performance bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Sri Hartamas: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person