R&D Formulation Scientist - Capsules

Job Title:

R D Formulation Scientist - Capsules, Tablets, and Powders Job Description The R D Formulation Scientist - Capsules develops and optimizes formulations for nutraceutical products across multiple dosage forms, including capsules, oils, waters, soft gels, powders, and granulations. This role partners closely with Sales, Customers, Sourcing, and Purchasing to translate product requirements into robust, scalable formulations while ensuring material availability and cost efficiency. The scientist performs hands-on work in the product development laboratory, utilizes advanced analytical instrumentation, and troubleshoots technical issues to support high-quality, sustainable products that promote health and wellness. This position offers significant growth potential as the R D function expands and provides opportunities to move into leadership and people management over time. Responsibilities Partner closely with Sales and Customers to understand product requirements and technical needs and translate them into effective formulation strategies. Develop and optimize formulations for oils, waters, soft gels, two-piece capsules, powders, and granulations within the nutraceutical and dietary supplement space. Apply expertise in powder, liquid, and capsule formulations to create stable, manufacturable, and high-quality products. Collaborate with Sourcing and Purchasing teams to ensure timely material availability, cost efficiency, and appropriate raw material selection. Troubleshoot technical formulation issues, identify root causes, and implement effective, data-driven solutions. Assist with analytical testing and quality assessments to ensure products meet specifications and regulatory and internal quality standards. Perform hands-on experimental work in the Product Development laboratory, including batching, blending, encapsulation, and related lab-scale processes. Utilize analytical instrumentation such as gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to support formulation development and analytical chemistry needs. Support quality control activities by evaluating raw materials, intermediates, and finished products, including those involving fish oils and other nutraceutical ingredients. Evaluate laboratory capabilities, identify opportunities for future R D expansion, and recommend new technologies, methods, or equipment to enhance innovation. Contribute to new product development projects from concept through commercialization, including experimental design, data analysis, and documentation. Collaborate effectively with a predominantly Spanish-speaking laboratory team, using translation tools as needed to maintain clear communication and teamwork. Maintain accurate records of experiments, methods, and results in accordance with internal procedures and good laboratory practices. Work cross-functionally with Quality, Manufacturing, and other internal stakeholders to ensure formulations are scalable and suitable for production. Support continuous improvement initiatives in R D, quality, and manufacturing by sharing technical insights and best practices. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field. 3+ years of R D formulation experience, preferably in nutraceuticals or dietary supplements. Proven expertise in formulation of powders, liquids, and capsules. Manufacturing knowledge related to nutraceutical or dietary supplement production processes. Additional Skills & Qualifications Bilingual skills, particularly Spanish, are a plus but not required. Interest in purpose-driven work focused on high-quality, ethically sourced, and sustainable products. Desire to grow into leadership and people management roles as the R D team expands. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Clifton, NJ. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $90000.00/yr. 401K, holiday, vacation and sick time offered to internal employees. Will have potential to grow into a leadership role - the R D department is new and there will be room to expand to R D formulators that report to them. Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Clifton,NJ. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through: Hiring diverse talent Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes Ensuring growth opportunities for our people Actalent is an equal opportunity employer. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we've helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day. Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.