Michelle Miller

Experience

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Formulation Consultant, San Diego, CA

2009 – present

Develops and validates new formulas. Prepares finished-good MSDS and regulatory documents for EU or global compliance. Writes manufacturing procedures. Supports quality control and adjusts production batches as needed. Analyzes and proposes ideas for product innovation and enhancement.

Capella Flavors, Carlsbad, CA

Senior Research & Development Chemist
December 2019 – June 2020

Formulate personal care products in accordance with National Product Association guidelines. Create a raw material library including pack out sizes, pricing, MOQ, lead times, and FOB details. Conduct stability on preliminary formulations. Submit samples to customers for review and approval.

Natural Product Group, Chatsworth, CA

Senior Chemist
February 2017 – July 2019

Improves existing product lines and develops new formulations using Cosmederm’s patented technology for distribution via doctor’s offices. Formulates topical drug vehicle to be used for IND filing with the FDA for pharmaceutical applications.

Cosmederm Bioscience, La Jolla, CA

Formulation Chemist
April 2012 – May 2016

Improves existing product lines and develops new formulations using Cosmederm’s patented technology for distribution via doctor’s offices. Formulates topical drug vehicle to be used for IND filing with the FDA for pharmaceutical applications.

Millennium Laboratories, Rancho Bernardo, CA

Associate Scientist
June 2010 – April 2012

Prepared samples to be tested via Olympus enzyme immunoassay analyzer: HPLC-MS or HPLC-MS/MS. Analyzed data and reported lab test results of drug metabolites using test methods approved by CAP, NY, and CLIA. Validated new test methods for production. Assisted in instrument repair and calibration of equipment.

Creative Nail Design, Vista, CA

Research and Development Skin Care Chemist
2007 – 2009

Worked closely with nail professionals and marketing to improve existing products. Developed new niche lines targeted to the nail industry. Wrote formulas, operating procedures and specifications for manufacturing. Supervised pilots to production scale-up. Formulated two manicure product lines for marketing rebrand strategy: each containing a hand soak, sugar/salt scrub, moisturizing mask, massage lotion, and hand cream. Improved the stability and manufacturing process using available legacy equipment for existing and new formulas. Helped implement cost-reduction strategies through vendor and purchasing communications, raw material consolidation, and formulation. Responsible for reviewing raw material name assignments and breakdowns, product ingredient decks, and safety warnings for global compliance as a member of the Regulatory and Safety Committee.

SHWOOMP!, San Diego, CA

Research and Development Manager
2005 – 2007

Designed new body care lines for a small retail company by working closely with the owners to help turn their vision into a reality. Established new procedures for formula development and maintenance using Excel for cost analysis. Engineered a small scale Quality Control program for releasing batches, including a microbiology protocol and batch coding system. With limited capital and resources, planned and implemented a production strategy. Established contacts with vendors for fragrances, raw materials and packaging, ordered and procured raw materials, set up purchasing accounts, trained new technicians, determined appropriate batch sizes, and created compounding procedures to maximize quality and minimize cost.

Thibiant International, Chatsworth, CA

1996 – 2005

Research and Development Manager
2002 – 2005

Under the supervision of the director, managed a team of 10 chemists, three lab technicians, and three project assistants by assigning work, establishing objectives and goals, reviewing project status, and interfacing with other departments. Wrote Standard Operating Procedures for research and development. Managed and dealt with the expectations of demanding customers. Learned how to listen, empathize with, and motivate an eclectic team with different backgrounds and beliefs. Coordinated with manufacturing to schedule pilot batches and fill trials.

Research and Development Supervisor
2000 – 2002

Reviewed lab work order submissions of a team of chemists for completion before submitting to marketing or sending to the customer. Helped Quality Control by adjusting Out of Specification production batches. Assisted fellow chemists with lab assignments while completing my own. Arranged meetings with vendors to keep the lab up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.

Senior Chemist
1998 – 2000

Formulated new products based on work orders from marketing for potential and current customers. Created new formulas and revising with feedback from marketing and the customer. Supervised pilot and production batches. Using a colorimeter and Pantone guide, color matched various cosmetic bases, including foundations.

Certifications

• Chemistry and Formulations of Color Cosmetics, Society of Cosmetic Chemists
• Sunscreen Chemistry and Formulation, Society of Cosmetic Chemists

Training

• GMP Training for OTC Products from the Center for Professional Advancement
• DOE Mixture Design for Optimal Formulations Software by Stat-Ease
• AACC ACCENT Training Fundamental LC-MS/MS and Methods Developments

Education

• B.S., Biochemistry, University of California San Diego

Competencies

Product Portfolio

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