Director of Research & Science

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Research & Science is the company’s senior scientific research leader responsible for directing the scientific strategy that supports existing products, new ingredients, new product concepts, and continuous improvement across the portfolio. This role evaluates product safety, efficacy, scientific evidence, formulation considerations, labeling, and claims to ensure decisions and communications are grounded in credible, current, and compliant science.

The Director leads literature reviews, evidence grading, research documentation, claim substantiation, scientific content approval, and the development of research briefs and ingredient dossiers
. Working closely with Product Development, Quality, Regulatory, Procurement, Manufacturing, Marketing, E-Commerce, Learning & Development, the Customer Call Center, and executive leadership, this position translates complex scientific evidence, market trends, and regulatory requirements into clear recommendations, compliant products, and accurate consumer education.

This role owns scientific research, evidence evaluation, and claim substantiation. It advises and provides scientific guidance and insights into Product Development but does not own formulation execution, scale-up, technology transfer, or commercialization.

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Nutrition, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a closely related scientific discipline with at least 7 years of relevant industry experience
  ; or a bachelor’s degree with at least ten years of relevant industry experience. A PhD with at least five years of nutraceutical industry experience is preferred.
• At least 5 years of leadership experience directing a research, scientific affairs, or science-based content function within the nutraceutical, dietary supplement, food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or closely related industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing scientists, analysts, technical writers, or other scientific professionals.
• Advanced skill in conducting literature reviews, critically evaluating scientific research, grading evidence, and translating findings into product-development recommendations, claim substantiation, and educational materials.
• Proficiency with scientific research databases, technical literature, clinical-study evaluation, and research-documentation systems.
• Required experience with FDA, FTC, and DSHEA requirements related to labeling, claims development, claim substantiation, and dietary supplement communications.
• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements applicable to dietary supplements, food, and cosmetics
  , including relevant provisions of 21 CFR Parts 101, 111, 117, 190, 700, 701, and 740.
• Ability to organize and prioritize multiple complex projects, exercise sound judgment, protect confidential information, and deliver accurate work in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

• Strong Scientific Judgment
• Intellectual Rigor
• Regulatory & Compliance Awareness
• Critical analysis
• Strategic Product & Market Insight
• Leadership and Personnel Development
• Project Management
• Written and Verbal communication skills
• Professional Integrity and Confidentiality

• Lead the company’s research and scientific strategy for dietary supplements, ensuring research priorities, product concepts, ingredients, and scientific communications align with the Founder’s vision, business objectives, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide scientific leadership and recommendations to executive leadership and cross-functional partners regarding ingredient selection, dosage, formulation, safety, efficacy, claims,…