Research & Development Manager (Scientist)

About the job Who We Are O Positiv is a Los Angeles-based health & wellness brand built on the idea that small acts of self-care produce positive outcomes. We’ve created the first-ever PMS supplement, FLO Vitamins, designed to make periods and the symptoms that come with them more tolerable. Along with FLO we have products spanning many women’s health topics such as immunity, gut health, skin health, and many more to come. Our team is small-yet-mighty, with big ambitions and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a growth-stage startup gaining serious traction (check us out in Fortune, Forbes, Bloomberg, and Business Insider), with a strong brand presence and some amazing advisors. We’re growing quickly, and we’ll give you the opportunity to do the same. Your Role The Research & Development Manager is responsible for supporting the execution of product development for both new product initiatives and portfolio maintenance efforts that accelerate O Positiv’s growth. You will be part of the creation of OP’s rapidly growing product line and new offerings in women’s health, wellness and more. The ideal candidate is an individual with a strong scientific research background, a high level of organization among competing priorities, and a natural curiosity with a willingness to learn. The Research & Development Manager will report to the Director of Product Development and will work cross functionally with internal and external stakeholders to support innovation and execution of O Positiv’s product roadmap. Responsibilities and Duties Bring innovative and differentiated products from concept to market that support our core customers’ health goals and align with O Positiv’s commitments / standards Conduct ingredient research / literature reviews; identify novel ingredients and formats to explore / evaluate for product feasibility Stay up to date to new trends in ingredients (vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc.) relevant to OP’s product roadmap and concept designs Substantiate claims by composing comprehensive summaries of clinical research that support product claims Manage project coordination in tracking, expediting, and facilitating the progress of each product’s development through the product’s launch date Assist with the artwork development process to proof and ensure proper routing and compliance to regulatory requirements Provide scientific support on marketing campaigns, landing pages, and other customer-facing literature Provide feedback on samples submissions and ensure formulations meet OP’s specifications, are efficacious and fall within budget requirements Support the reformulation of existing products to ensure products continue to be differentiated and meet marketing and customer expectations Qualifications and Skills Experience: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience in Science (e.g. Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, etc.), Food Science, Pharmaceutical Science or related field 3-6 years of experience working in product development, R&D, and/or regulatory affairs within the functional foods, supplements, or skincare industry Exceptional expertise in technical research including ingredient pathology, project management, and vendor relationship management Interpersonal: Strong leadership & communication skills: listen, mentor, and teach by example Thrives in fast-paced environments Strong project management and prioritization skills Ability to manage multiple moving pieces and lead different groups of individuals Adaptable to new technology and innovations Thoughtful and self-reflective, willingness to learn and adapt Team-player, hard-working, organized, and goal-oriented Excitement for startups and building from the ground up Hours and Compensation The anticipated base compensation range for this role will be $90,000 - $135,000. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s experience and local market rates. Job Type: Full-time Pay based on prior experience Position will be based out of Santa Monica, Los Angeles - in person (Mon-Thurs in office/Friday remote) Benefits & Perks Flexible PTO, Sick Days, and Wellness Days Monthly Social Hours Medical, Vision, and Dental Coverage 401K with matching $50/month Fitness Reimbursement + Up to $1,800 in annual wellness benefits An environment of collaboration, high performance, & respect amongst all employees and managers Click here to view our Applicant Privacy Policy. O Positiv is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. O Positiv believes in the power of building a diverse and culturally inclusive team. We seek candidates from all backgrounds to join our teams. We're driven to build a workplace based on inclusive behaviors and equitable systems, where all employees can bring their authentic selves, feel engaged, and share their perspectives as a valued member of O Positiv.