A Process Development Scientist researches and develops methods for creating and improving chemical manufacturing processes. They may work in a range of industrial sectors, including manufacturing, biotech, and pharmaceuticals. They design experiments, analyze data, and optimize procedures to enhance efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
Vitaquest International is an industry-leading development and commercialization partner for consumer products in nutraceutical and functional foods. With over 40 years of history, Vitaquest has the market insight, global reach and scale of operations to support emerging and existing consumer brands from the idea to the store shelf with flawless execution in every phase. Today, Vitaquest creates and produces more than 4,000 customer formulas for more than 500 brands in over 40 countries. Vitaquest's employees follow an internal communications plan to encourage productivity and engagement within the organization. This is known as Vitaquest PROUD. We believe that each employee contributes directly to the organization's growth and success. We are looking for individuals who share our innovative spirit and hope will take pride in being a part of our Company.
Title:
Product Development Scientist II Department:
Product Development Reports To:
Vice President Product Development & Innovation Position Purpose and Objectives To independently develop and optimize dietary supplement formulations across multiple dosage forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, chewables, and effervescent products. This position supports new product development from concept through laboratory and pilot-scale feasibility, including formulation design, ingredient functionality, manufacturing considerations, stability, costing, and nutritional panel/Supplement Facts development. The Product Development Scientist II works closely with Sales, customers, Product Development colleagues, and manufacturing personnel to understand project objectives, recommend technically feasible solutions, troubleshoot formulation or batch issues, and help move projects forward in a timely and efficient manner. Essential Job Functions Independently formulate and optimize new dietary supplement products, including tablets, capsules, powders, chewables, and effervescent products. Design and execute laboratory experiments and pilot/sample batches to evaluate feasibility, ingredient functionality, processability, stability, and customer acceptance. Troubleshoot problematic materials, formulations, and batches and develop practical resolutions in collaboration with Product Development and manufacturing teams. Apply working knowledge of manufacturing processes, including blending, tableting, encapsulation, and other relevant dosage-form processes, to improve formulation robustness and manufacturability. Evaluate blend density and other relevant physical properties to support capsule fill, tablet, powder, and process-development decisions. Develop formula documentation, initial Supplement Facts/nutritional panel information, and maintain label-copy information for new formulas. Generate cost estimates/costing sheets for new formulas and enter or maintain formulation and project data in SAP and Zoho, as applicable. Source and evaluate new raw materials and obtain technical information for materials not currently purchased or used. Work closely with Sales and customers to understand product objectives, communicate formulation capabilities and limitations, and recommend approaches for achieving product goals. Use knowledge of ingredient functionality and stability to improve finished-product performance and support appropriate formulation decisions. Support and help train less-experienced Product Development personnel and interns; share formulation and process knowledge across the team. Attend relevant training, educational seminars, and tradeshows to maintain and expand technical knowledge. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required Direct hands-on experience with formulation development and relevant manufacturing processes such as blending, tableting, encapsulation, powder processing, and/or chewable or effervescent product development; dietary supplement experience preferred. Working knowledge of ingredient functionality, formulation stability, and the relationship between formulation design and manufacturing performance. Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify root causes and recommend practical solutions for formulation and batch issues. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with Product Development, Sales, customers, and manufacturing personnel. Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate formulation capabilities and limitations clearly. Detail-oriented, well organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced technical environment. Computer literacy, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and the ability to work within formulation/project systems such as SAP and Zoho. Supervisory Responsibility No direct supervisory responsibility. Expected to provide technical guidance, training, and day-to-day support to less-experienced scientists and interns. Working Conditions A dynamic and fast-paced technical environment with regular hands-on work in the Product Development laboratory and exposure to production/manufacturing areas. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a life science or related field. Typically 3-5 years of related formulation/product-development experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Demonstrated experience developing and troubleshooting dietary supplement or related food/supplement formulations. Success Factors Well organized, self-motivated team player who takes ownership of projects and follows through on commitments. Technically curious, solutions-oriented, and able to balance formulation quality, manufacturability, stability, cost, and customer objectives. Contributes to a positive, collaborative work environment and supports the continued development of the Product Development team.
Pay:
From $80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Referral program Retirement plan Vision insurance Application Question(s): What is your current work authorization status? 1. U.S. Citizen 2. Green Card (Permanent Resident) 3. H-1B Visa or 4. F-1 (OPT/CPT)
