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Universal Nutrition · 2 days ago

R&D Manager

New Brunswick, NJ

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

$115K/yr - $140K/yr

5+ years exp

Universal Nutrition is a leader in sports nutrition manufacturing, seeking a dynamic R&D Manager to drive innovation in formulation and lab operations. The R&D Manager will lead the development of dietary supplement products and collaborate with various internal teams to enhance product formulations and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Dietary SupplementsHealth CareWellness

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end development of new dietary supplement products (capsules, tablets, powders) from concept to commercialization

Enhance existing formulations and process for better stability, taste, and manufacturability

Research and source high-quality raw materials based on functionality, bioavailability, and compliance

Works collaboratively with cross functional teams to solve complex formulation and technical challenges with speed and robustness

Stay ahead of industry trends and manufacturing innovations

Expand and enhance lab capabilities to analyze physical and chemical properties of raw materials

Develop and implement testing protocols to assess powder flowability, particle size, hygroscopicity, and other characteristics that impact manufacturing

Use collected data to refine formulations and enhance production efficiency

Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and validation of lab equipment

Supervise and mentor lab technicians, fostering growth and technical expertise

Provide hands-on training in formulation techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales and marketing to align product development with company objectives

Drive R&D project timelines, ensuring efficiency and innovation

Ensure all formulations comply with FDA, cGMP, NSF, and other regulatory requirements

Maintain comprehensive documentation, including formulation records, stability studies, and lab reports

Perform other related duties as assigned to meet departmental and company objectives

Represent Universal Nutrition at industry trade shows and conferences

Any other projects and tasks

Qualification

Formulation DevelopmentDietary Supplement KnowledgeR&D ExperienceLab Equipment ProficiencyRegulatory ComplianceAnalytical SkillsMicrosoft OfficeTeam CollaborationCommunication SkillsSelf-Starter

Required

A bachelor's or master's degree in a scientific discipline such as Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition/Dietetics, or related field required

Five to ten years of formulation and R&D related experience in the dietary supplement industry

The candidate will have a grasp of the product development process from concept to launch including formulation knowledge, understanding of chemical interactions, experience with process design and equipment selection as well as broad knowledge of ingredients and the related dietary supplement and nutraceutical regulations

Hands on knowledge of solid dose and powders manufacturing equipment (tablet presses, capsule fillers, coating equipment, blenders, granulation and milling equipment) as well as the understanding of the manufacturing unit operations associated with each equipment type

The candidate must have a proven track record of success and expertise in commercial dietary supplement and functional food formulation development in a fast-paced environment

The candidate will be able to successfully collaborate with key functional partners e.g., sales, marketing, quality, supply, production, and distribution to solve problems, negotiate use of limited resources and resolve conflicts

Detail oriented, organized, and analytical with essential math skills for formulation

The candidate must be a self-starter, a team-player, have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to use Microsoft Office and Excel and ready to learn other ERP software platforms such as Deacom

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States

Must successfully pass a background check and drug screening