Senior Innovations Scientist

SCN BestCo•Mooresville, NC

About The Position

The Senior Innovation Scientist is a leader in designing and improving novel confectionary-based vitamin, mineral, supplement (VMS), and/or over the counter (OTC) drug products. This position requires an inquisitive nature paired with scientific methodology, enabling the development of robust line-ready formulations. The Senior Innovation Scientist must utilize strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization and work in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, a key responsibility in this role is mentoring junior scientists on relevant confectionary product formulation and manufacturing.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Technology, Engineering or related field.
9 years’ experience in the Food, OTC or dietary supplement industry, with at least 6 years’ in R&D.
Experience applying statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, machine learning, data mining, and related techniques to drive solutions.
Ability to design experiments, collect/interpret complex data, draw valid conclusions, and drive action plans.
Ability to leverage scientific trends, engage with suppliers, capture insights to identify future and maximize current business opportunities (e.g. by driving efficiency/cost savings, etc.).
Working knowledge of cGMP and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and project management processes and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of confectionary manufacturing and ingredients.
Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.
Displays a customer centric approach engaging with internal and external customers in collaboration to understand business needs and drive projects forward.
Ability to prioritize tasks, utilize time efficiently, and multi-task in an ever changing, fast-paced environment.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
Strong business acumen. Ability to leverage scientific trends to identify future business opportunities.
Proficient with Microsoft Office and database, project management, and ERP software.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal staff and management. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in food science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, or related field.
Experience in formulation or product development of OTC or Dietary Supplement or food products.
Experience developing and commercializing oral drug products under US monograph or NDA regulations.
Experience with regulatory bodies including FDA and NSF.
Proven formulation and product scale-up experience in a cGMP environment.
Statistical software experience (e.g., Minitab, Statgraphics, etc.) with the ability to interpret data and drive action.

Responsibilities

Seek new ingredients and technologies in pursuit of developing unique product offerings in confectionary OTC and/or supplement markets.
Translate consumers’ needs into delightful, finished products that use the most appropriate technologies, chemicals, and materials.
Prepare product samples and test and analyze physical and sensory attributes to include texture, moisture, pH, and color analysis, etc., to develop a comprehensive data package.
Execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to assess critical attributes of ingredients, products, and processes. Capture, analyze, and report data with sound technical recommendations on product and/or processes.
Develop strategic partnerships with external industry leaders and internal stakeholders to generate new and innovative opportunities.
Engage with cross-functional teams including quality, procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing, to resolve issues that may arise in the course of new product development or existing product improvement.
Ensure the development laboratory is operational; equipment is in working order, place work orders as required, maintain and order supplies, keep basic bulk ingredients on hand and place orders as required, work with developers to keep the lab area clean, confirm that samples and ingredients are properly stored, and coordinate large laboratory projects with the development team.
Participate in continuing education as required to expand technical base knowledge including learning methods to improve formulation quality such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods.
Engage with suppliers to stay current on market trends and ingredient solutions.
Support knowledge capture and organizational knowledge growth via effective data summaries, reports, and presentations.
Mentor peers and junior scientists on best practices and product knowledge.
Help determine best practices, consolidate product knowledge, and ensure this is applied across the organization.
Travel as needed to attend trade shows, conferences, training, product transfer, and other offsite meetings and events.