Senior Innovations Scientist

We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN Best Co 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 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.

• 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.

• Education and Experience:
  
  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…