Senior Scientist Upstream Innovation

We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prebiotics/probiotics in enjoyable forms such as gummies, lozenges and chews. With over 50 years of excellence, our team leads the way in changing how consumers make healthier choices.  With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we’ve pioneered many firsts.  The fire in our belly to create new to the world products has guided and continues to be core to our mission of making health and wellness more enjoyable. Come join us and become a part of our winning formula!

The Senior Scientist, Upstream Innovation is an advanced Research & Development (R&D) position responsible for researching, developing, and commercializing new products and/or technologies, improving existing products and/or technologies in collaboration with internal and external teams. This position is responsible for helping to define and apply scientific & engineering principles to develop strategic technology platforms to deliver breakthrough health benefits in enjoyable forms. This role requires a fundamental understanding of in-process related fields including formulation, manufacturing, mixing, particle/fluid handling, and encapsulation. Lastly, the Senior Scientist, Upstream Innovation is a subject matter expert within the R&D team; training, guiding, mentoring, and supervising other scientists and technical staff members in their area of expertise, as needed.

Estimated starting annual base salary is $112,717.99 - $169,076.98 per year less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. Please note that the actual compensation offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined by the Company, which may include, but is not limited to, location, experience, qualifications, education, skillset, and market conditions. The target base compensation for this role is in the low to middle of the range, with the top of the range reserved for only exceptional circumstances. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary, variable annual incentive, paid based on Company performance factors. SCN BestCo offers a competitive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, which currently includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with employer matching contributions, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more, as well as paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law. Each benefit is subject to eligibility requirements as specified in plan documents, and the Company reserves the right to modify the benefits it offers from time to time.

• Lead development of new technologies and products to drive innovation for future growth.
• Work with internal and external resources to develop new technology solutions for defined business opportunities.
• Lead collaboration with raw material, instrument, equipment, and technology partners to apply new ingredient(s), technology, and/or concepts to formulation and process.
• Lead technical programs, utilizing experience in experimental design, setting clear success criteria/measures. Lead R&D development from technology/ingredient identification, product ideation, formulation, bench-top prototypes, and scale-up insights to ensure commercialization readiness.
• Actively communicate with internal and customers’ teams on changes in project scopes and timelines, providing risk assessment and mitigation plans.
• Generate and coordinate all ingredient, process, and product documentation to support formulation & manufacturing.
• Partner with Stability team to develop stability testing plan, monitor organoleptic properties, and determine shelf life.
• Lead R&D effort in presenting new product concepts and prototypes to internal and external strategic customers
• Train and guide junior level R&D staff and other relevant teams within the company.
• Collaborate with R&D teams within network to share learnings, best practices, and to troubleshoot.
• Remain abreast of industry-relevant developments such as new ingredients/technologies, category trends, regulations, and certifications.
• Periodically travel to attend trade shows, conferences, trainings, product transfers, and other offsite meetings and events.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, technology, engineering, or related field.
• 5 years’ work experience in the food, dietary supplement or pharmaceutical industry, including 6 years in Research & Development.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Thorough knowledge in formulation and manufacturing enjoyable format products such as gummies and soft chews.
• Basic computer proficiency including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint).
• Strong analytical, action orientation, innovation, organization, time management, and verbal/written communication skills.
• Able to adjust work priorities quickly to meet changing demands.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and written, with internal staff and management. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Must be able to demonstrate practical problem solving and troubleshooting skills. Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Microencapsulation experience.
• Expertise in sugar, fiber, and hydrocolloid chemistry
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities 

Salary : $112,718 - $169,077