Job Description:
Summary
The Associate Formulation Scientist will support the development of innovative dietary supplement products. The successful candidate will assist in the formulation, testing, and documentation of dietary supplements and nutritional products, including tablets, capsules, and powders. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams, including R&D, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, and Manufacturing.
This position is responsible for hands-on evaluation of raw materials, bench development of formulations across different dosage forms, and conducting appropriate chemical and physical laboratory tests to ensure ingredients and formulations meet the target product profile.
Responsibilities
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Assist in the design and development of new products and reformulations by translating customer requirements and specifications into finished products that meet product profiles and can be manufactured at target cost.
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Conduct bench-top prototype development, laboratory experiments, and testing according to established protocols and procedures.
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Prepare samples, perform formulation and stability testing, conduct sensory evaluations (in-house or third party), and submit samples for analytical testing.
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Perform ingredient sourcing, functionality evaluation, and compatibility studies.
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Assist with evaluation of new or alternate raw materials for use in finished products.
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Communicate with manufacturing, production, quality, and packaging teams to resolve quality-related issues with production lots.
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Support scale-up and pilot production trials in coordination with manufacturing teams.
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Record experimental data accurately and analyze results using statistical tools and software. Leverage existing data to draw conclusions and manage risk.
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Maintain detailed laboratory notebooks and records. Generate technical reports summarizing findings and progress in product development.
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Prepare technical transfer reports, SOPs, and work instructions as needed.
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Stay current with industry regulations and standards related to dietary supplements and nutritional products. Ensure formulations align with labeling and regulatory requirements.
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, sales, and manufacturing, to deliver product development milestones within timelines and budgets.
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Conduct literature research to support formulation design and market research to support innovative ingredient and product solutions.
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Comply with safety protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the laboratory. Promote a culture of safety among team members.
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Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment and instruments. Report malfunctions or repair needs.
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Perform additional duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
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None.
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Knowledge
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Bachelors degree in a relevant scientific field (e.g., chemistry, biology, food science, or related discipline), or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
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Masters degree in a related scientific field preferred.
Experience
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13+ years of experience in an R&D or product development laboratory, preferably in the pharmaceutical, dietary supplement, or food industry.
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Strong knowledge of laboratory techniques, equipment, and safety protocols.
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Familiarity with formulation development, experimental design, and analytical testing.
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Proficiency with laboratory software and data analysis tools.
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Knowledge of functional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, botanicals, amino acids, probiotics, etc.
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Familiarity with various dosage forms and delivery systems (e.g., tablets, capsules, powders).
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Understanding of nutritional value calculation and product labeling regulations.
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Ability to follow protocols and standard operating procedures accurately and safely.
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Knowledge of GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and GLP (Good Laboratory Practices) guidelines.
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Experience with stability protocols and testing.
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Familiarity with FDA regulations for dietary supplements and raw materials.