ummary: The R&D Associate supports the Research & Development department in the development and commercialization of new dietary supplement products. This position is responsible for preparing initial (“paper”) formulations, maintaining formulation documentation, supporting laboratory sample development, and assisting with technical evaluations required for successful product launches.
The R&D Associate serves as a critical link between Commercialization, R&D, Purchasing, Quality, and Manufacturing by ensuring new product opportunities progress efficiently from concept and quotation through formulation, sample development, and commercialization.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Product Development & Formulation Support
Develop initial (“paper”) formulations based on customer specifications, desired claims, dosage form, and manufacturability requirements.
Select suitable raw materials based on functionality, technical specifications, availability, and cost considerations.
Perform formulation calculations, including ingredient quantities, active contributions, and overage calculations as applicable.
Assist with optimization of formulations for manufacturability, stability, quality, and cost efficiency.
Support reformulations due to ingredient availability, cost reduction initiatives, supplier changes, or customer requests.
Maintain awareness of emerging ingredients, market trends, and supplier technologies.
Technical Documentation & Data Management
Prepare and maintain formulation worksheets, master formula records, technical documents, and product development files.
Maintain formulation databases, standardized templates, and historical product libraries.
Ensure formulation information is accurate and organized to support ERP setup, costing, and commercialization activities.
Support data collection and documentation required for new product introduction.
Laboratory & Sample Development Support
Prepare, blend, and evaluate bench-top and pilot-scale samples according to approved formulations.
Document physical characteristics including appearance, color, odor, taste, flowability, blend characteristics, and other relevant observations.
Maintain laboratory notebooks, sample records, and development documentation.
Support troubleshooting of formulation and manufacturing challenges under the direction of the Director of R&D.
Coordinate with the R&D Assistant/Lab Coordinator to ensure efficient sample preparation, inventory usage, and sample tracking.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with the Director of Commercialization to support rapid quote turnaround and customer development projects.
Collaborate with Purchasing to identify alternative ingredients, evaluate supplier options, and achieve target costs.
Support Quality Assurance with technical documentation, ingredient evaluations, and manufacturing investigations as needed.
Partner with Manufacturing to support scale-up activities, process improvements, and successful transfer of products into production.
Participate in R&D, commercialization, and new product development meetings.
Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in food science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nutrition, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or a related scientific discipline required.
Experience
0–3 years of experience in dietary supplements, food, pharmaceutical, or consumer health product development preferred. Internship, academic research, or laboratory experience will be considered.
Technical Skills
Understanding formulation principles, ingredient functionality, and product development processes.
Familiarity with dietary supplement dosage forms including capsules, tablets, powders, gummies, and softgels preferred. Ability to perform formulation calculations and interpret ingredient technical documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel; familiarity with ERP systems and formulation databases is preferred.
Understanding of cGMP requirements and documentation practices is preferred.
Key Competencies
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively across cross-functional teams.
Strong desire to learn and develop technical expertise.
Work Environment: Employees in this role may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, outdoor weather conditions, and moderate noise levels. Safety compliance is crucial, including adherence to safety rules and accident reporting policies. Reasonable accommodation is available for individuals with disabilities.
Physical Demands: Employees are expected to stand, use their hands for handling, reach, talk, hear, and smell regularly. They may need to walk, stoop, kneel, twist, and crouch frequently. Tasks often involve pushing and pulling carts, lifting up to 20 pounds, and team-lifting up to 70 pounds. Vision requirements include close and distance vision, as well as depth perception.
This job description has been approved by all levels of Management.
Executive Management: ________________________________________________ Date: _________________
Human Resources: _____________________________________________________ Date: _________________
The employee's signature below constitutes the employee's understanding of the position's requirements, essential functions, and duties.
Employee: ____________________________________________________________ Date: _________________
