Description
Summary
The Research and Development Senior Formulation Scientist plays a critical role in the selection of ingredients, and the development and optimization of formulations for dietary supplements and food products. This position involves proper assessment of active and non-active ingredients, experimental designs, scientific judgment, and utilization of scientific principles in ingredient selection and creation of high-quality, stable, and efficacious product formulations that meet product profiles.
Responsibilities
Select appropriate ingredients, and develop paper formulations and reformulations that meet product profiles and development objectives.
Perform benchtop experiments for the development of nutraceutical products (capsules, tablets, powders, stick packs), with consideration of client requirements, manufacturing feasibility, ingredient compatibility, stability, solubility, and bioavailability.
Evaluate and select appropriate excipients and recommend alternate active ingredients for use in formulations based on scientific understanding and regulatory requirements.
Reformulate products to enhance appearance, taste, texture, solubility, stability, efficacy, and manufacturability with speed, accuracy, and robustness.
Ensure that formulated products meet quality standards, regulatory guidelines, and industry best practices. Collaborate with regulatory and quality teams to address and resolve compliance-related issues.
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure successful scale-up of formulations from laboratory to production scale. Provide technical support during manufacturing to troubleshoot formulation-related challenges.
Conduct alternate supplier qualification of existing raw materials. Design experiments to evaluate stability and suitability of alternate materials in new and existing finished products. Conduct sensory analysis for raw materials where needed to ensure suitability of flavors and other ingredients in powder products.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of formulation development activities, experiments, and results. Generate technical reports, protocols, and documentation as needed.
Work closely with cross-functional teams including Sales, Project Management, Product Development, Quality Control, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance, and Technical Operations to ensure alignment with project goals and timelines.
Stay updated with the latest developments in formulation science and technological advancements in the dietary supplement industry. Incorporate innovative approaches and ingredients into formulation strategies.
Adhere to laboratory safety protocols and follow Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) to ensure a safe and compliant working environment.
Identify opportunities for increased efficiency.
Perform additional duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
May supervise the activities of junior staff in the department.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Knowledge
Bachelors degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, biology) with 3+ years of experience in nutraceutical, food, pharmaceutical, or similar industries.
Advanced degrees (MS or PhD) preferred.
Experience
Strong background in nutraceutical/pharmaceutical formulation and process development (capsules, powders, tablets, DTM powders, effervescent tablets, and powders) and related laboratory techniques.
Demonstrated success in formulating, scaling up, and commercializing complex formulations.
Knowledge of FDA regulations for dietary supplements, Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs), and DSHEA guidelines.
Proven experience in conducting scientific research, designing experiments, analyzing data using statistical tools, and providing detailed reports.
Proficiency in using laboratory equipment relevant to product development.
Root cause analysis and troubleshooting of formulation issues.
Experience with product lifecycle management software preferred.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills for working in a cross-functional team environment, especially with manufacturing, operations, sales, and quality.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
