Research Scientist I

Position Overview

The Research Scientist I is responsible for evaluation of new and alternative raw materials, material formulation feasibility assessment, and support technical Operations

Specific Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end raw material lifecycle, including document review, testing coordination, and approval via PLM and filing systems.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Planning, Inventory, Quality Control, and Procurement to resolve material-related incidents and provide disposition suggestions for stranded inventory.
• Support Manufacturing operations by attending meetings and facilitating formulation evaluations to troubleshoot material issues.
• Proficient in enterprise systems (Oracle, PLM, MES, Mapics, SharePoint) to retrieve critical documents like specifications, formulas, and batch records.
• Evaluate alternate raw materials for performance equivalence, and material formulation feasibility assessment, initiating bench trials as required.
• Provide Technical Operations support through lab work and by assisting with Manufacturing Change Requests (MCRs) and Deviations.

General Responsibilities

• Formulate dietary supplement products in response to customer requests ranging from highly defined specifications to open-ended innovation briefs
• Conduct bench-scale trials, physical evaluations, and data collection to support formulation decisions
• Support and participate in sensory evaluations and tasting panels for flavored dosage forms
• Develop and maintain costed formulations, including raw material, processing, and packaging assumptions
• Prepare and maintain formulation specifications, technical documentation, and development reports
• Collaborate with Quality and Regulatory teams to proactively address compliance, labeling, and claims considerations
• Provide ongoing technical support to internal stakeholders and external customers throughout development, scale-up, and commercialization
• Continuously improve formulation approaches, platforms, and best practices based on customer needs, market trends, and manufacturing learnings
• Execute responsibilities with minimal supervision while managing multiple projects

The Candidate

Education, Experience, and Licenses:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, food science, chemical engineering, or a related scientific discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years of work-related experience in formulation of dietary supplement (DS) products and /or over the counter (OTC), OR preferred education background and one year of hands-on formulation experience can be substituted for minimum experience requirements
• OPEN TO STEM OPT & TN VISA SPONSORSHIP

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to use the principles of general science, chemistry, and physics to produce formulations that will run efficiently in manufacturing operations
• Must be able to safely operate equipment and instruments used in the development and manufacture of nutritional dosage-forms & gummies
• Must be able to use mathematical skills to accurately calculate formula inputs as well as to create cost approximations for finished products in bulk and/or packaged forms
• Must be computer literate and capable in technical data accumulation and reporting
• Must be able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills
• Must be able to perform duties with minimal supervision

International Vitamin Corporation (IVC) Is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our organization remains steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive and non-discriminatory work environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. We firmly maintain the belief that every individual ought to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic, as defined by the law. We pledge that all eligible job applicants shall receive an impartial and unbiased evaluation during the recruitment process, without any form of discrimination based on any of the protected class. Our dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity remains unwavering, and we take immense pride in cultivating a workplace culture that values and celebrates differences. Our efforts towards creating an environment that is free from prejudice and discrimination are an integral part of our organizational philosophy, and we stand committed to upholding these principles.