Director of Research

Ryze Superfoods LLC; United States; Remote; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Ryze Superfoods LLC seeks a senior leader for their clinical research strategy, enhancing their role in the functional food industry. This position involves overseeing the design and execution of clinical trials, collaborating with various teams for scientific substantiation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and leading a high-performing research team.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in functional food or dietary supplements.
• Deep experience designing and managing clinical trials.
• Strong expertise in scientific claims substantiation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute research roadmap for clinical substantiation.
• Design clinical trials and manage cross-functional teams.
• Cultivate relationships with CROs and represent at conferences.

Skills

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

PhD or equivalent doctorate in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Life Sciences

Job description

In this role, you will be responsible for leading RYZE’s clinical research strategy, driving scientific substantiation, and advancing our reputation as a thought leader in the functional food and supplement industry. You’ll design and oversee clinical trials, build evidence-based claims, and serve as a critical scientific partner across departments. This is not a product innovation role, but one that enables it through deep scientific rigor and clinical validation.

Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Scientific Leadership

Develop and execute a long-term research roadmap focused on clinical substantiation, regulatory alignment, and scientific differentiation.

Evaluate ingredients, mechanisms of action, and literature to support early-stage product ideation.

Design clinical trials end-to-end, including protocols, endpoints, biomarker strategy, and study design.

Collaborate with CROs, academic institutions, and IRBs to ensure trials are robust, feasible, and business-aligned.

Claims Development & Scientific Substantiation

Create substantiation strategies for structure/function and marketing claims across key markets.

Translate scientific data into clear, defensible claims in compliance with FDA, FTC, EFSA, and other regulatory standards.

Partner cross-functionally with Regulatory, Legal, Marketing, and Commercial to align claims with business goals.

Team Development & Functional Leadership

Build and manage a high-performing research team covering scientific affairs, clinical ops, and data analysis.

Implement systems to ensure scientific integrity, GCP compliance, and operational efficiency.

Provide scientific mentorship to partners in Product, Regulatory, Quality, and Marketing.

External Engagement & Scientific Thought Leadership

Cultivate relationships with CROs, KOLs, academic partners, and scientific associations.

Represent RYZE at conferences, industry panels, and regulatory discussions.

Lead publication of scientific papers, white papers, and conference presentations.

Scientific Interpretation & Data Analysis

Oversee data interpretation, statistical analysis, and clinical study readouts.

Distill complex findings into actionable insights for internal stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and consumers.

Qualifications

PhD or equivalent doctorate in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, or related field

10+ years of experience in functional food, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, or related sectors

Deep experience designing and managing clinical trials from protocol through publication

Strong expertise in scientific claims substantiation and relevant global regulations (FDA, FTC, EFSA, etc.)

Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional scientific teams

Strong background in data analysis, statistics, and scientific writing

Published in peer-reviewed journals and experienced in scientific presentations

Strong communication skills and ability to simplify complex science for diverse audiences

Established network in clinical research, academia, and industry

Preferred Qualifications

Experience managing CRO contracts and clinical study budgets

Familiarity with microbiome science, biomarker development, or personalized nutrition

Experience contributing to IP development and strategy

Background supporting commercial and marketing teams in translating science for consumers

What's your citizenship / employment eligibility?*

LinkedIn Profile URL:*

Desired salary*

Do you hold a PhD (or equivalent doctorate) in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, or a related field?*

Do you have at least 10 years of experience working in the functional food, dietary supplement, nutraceutical, or related healthcare sectors?*

Have you led the design and execution of clinical trials in this space? If yes, please briefly describe a recent study you led (including study type, population size, endpoints, and outcomes):*

Are you experienced in developing and substantiating structure/function and marketing claims for functional food or supplement products?*

Are you familiar with regulatory standards for claims across at least two of the following:*

Have you built or led a cross-functional scientific team, including areas such as clinical operations, data analysis, or scientific affairs?*