Formulation Scientist

Opella•Chattanooga, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Lead formulation development of oral OTC ingestible products, with a strong focus on gummy dosage forms across sleep, pain, allergy, and wellness categories. Apply deep expertise in gummy formulation science, including active ingredient delivery, taste masking, texture optimization, and stability. Drive product development from concept through commercialization, including scale-up and manufacturing transfer. Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, and Supply Chain teams to deliver innovative consumer-focused products. Translate consumer insights and market trends into differentiated, high-performing OTC products. Ensure formulations meet regulatory requirements, quality standards, and commercialization timelines. Provide technical leadership and innovation in developing consumer-loved products with strong efficacy, flavor, and user experience.

Requirements

Ph.D., M.S., or B.S. in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or related field.
5+ years, M.S. with 8+ years, or B.S. with 10+ years of relevant experience.
Strong hands-on experience developing gummy or confectionery-based dosage forms (required).
Proven experience with OTC oral products, dietary supplements, or functional confections.
Demonstrated success in commercializing products from concept to launch.
Deep expertise in gummy and oral delivery formulation science, including hydrocolloid systems, API compatibility, moisture control, shelf-life optimization, taste masking, and sugar-free technologies.
Strong understanding of commercial manufacturing processes including cooking, depositing, molding, drying, coating, and finishing, with experience partnering with CDMOs and vendor network.

Nice To Haves

Some experience in soft chews preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead formulation development of oral OTC dosage forms, primarily gummies (pectin and gelatin-based systems), with some experience in soft chews preferred.
Design and optimize formulations containing APIs and active ingredients including antihistamines, analgesics, sleep aids, melatonin, magnesium, and botanicals.
Solve critical technical challenges related to taste masking, flavor systems, texture optimization, stability, bioavailability, and sugar-free formulations.
Scale products from bench development through pilot and commercial manufacturing, including technology transfer to CDMOs and internal manufacturing sites.
Partner cross-functionally with Regulatory, Quality, Marketing, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams to support successful product launches.
Drive innovation by identifying emerging trends in delivery formats, ingredients, and consumer preferences while guiding ingredient and vendor selection.
Ensure compliance with FDA regulations, OTC monographs, dietary supplement guidelines, cGMP standards, and provide technical leadership, troubleshooting, and mentorship across projects.