Innovation Scientist

Merical Inc.; Ogden (UT); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

No-cost vision insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive wellness program

Job summary

Merical Inc. is seeking an Innovation Scientist to bridge the gap between science and business. This position involves developing compelling dietary supplement concepts aligned with market trends and customer briefs. Candidates should possess a BS or higher in a relevant science field and have over five years of experience in dietary supplements R&D.

The role emphasizes scientific creativity, effective storytelling, and cross-functional collaboration to drive innovation in a dynamic environment.

At Merical, employees enjoy comprehensive perks including medical and dental plans, 401(k) matching, and generous paid time off.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in research and development for dietary supplements.
• Ability to handle multiple changing priorities.
• Proven track record of successful innovation ideas.

Responsibilities

• Develop dietary supplement concepts that align with market trends.
• Translate science into commercially compelling product positioning.
• Collaborate on new product development and troubleshooting.

Skills

Scientific creativity and innovation mindset

Strong storytelling and commercial communication ability

Knowledge of dietary supplement ingredients and their efficacy

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-centric thinking

Education

BS or higher degree in a relevant science field

Job description

Salary Range: $115,000.00 To $130,000.00 Annually

Company Summary

For over 60 years, MeriCal has been at the forefront of innovation in the dietary supplement industry, delivering custom manufacturing and packaging solutions with passion and precision. With state‑of‑the‑art facilities in Southern California and Ogden, UT, we transform ideas into high‑quality products—from research and development to the finished products. Our team, with over 30 years of combined experience, is dedicated to crafting exceptional gummies, probiotics, tablets, capsules, chewables, and powders using clinically backed ingredients. At MeriCal, we don’t just meet expectations—we exceed them, every time. Join us and be part of a dynamic, forward‑thinking team shaping the future of nutrition!

The Opportunity

The Innovation Scientist will bridge science and business, serving as a technical partner to sales customers, and strategic partners. This role is responsible for generating compelling product concepts, supporting customer engagements, and translating emerging science into commercially viable dietary supplement innovations. The ideal candidate is both a strong scientist and an effective storyteller who can connect science, market trends, and business opportunities.

What You’ll Do

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop differentiated, market‑relevant dietary supplement concepts that align with trends, customer briefs, emerging science, and brand positioning.
• Stay relevant on emerging science and technology trends.
• Translate consumer insights, emerging science, and manufacturing capabilities into compelling product narratives.
• Partner with sales support customer meetings as the technical subject matter expert.
• Present scientific rationale, ingredient benefits, and formulation strategies to customers.
• Lead ideation sessions, customer pitches, and innovation workshops.
• Maintain our stability and ingredient databases.

Supplied Collaboration & External Innovation:

• Participate in supplied innovation meetings to identify new ingredient technologies and opportunities.
• Collaborate with strategic supplies on joint development of new scientific data and marketing‑driven research.
• Translate science into commercially compelling product positioning.
• Evaluate supplier pipeline and integrate novel ingredients into innovation concepts.

Product Development Support:

• Collaborate with formulators, regulatory, and technical operations teams to advance concepts into scalable products.
• Lead new product development and reformulation projects.
• Troubleshoot formulation challenges and optimize product performance.

Scientific Storytelling:

• Develop technical sell sheets, concepts decks, and innovation briefs.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly for customers.
• Ensure concepts are scientifically credible and marketable.

What You’ll Bring

• BS or higher degree in science field that relates to dietary supplement formulation.
• 5+ years of experience working in research and development and manufacturing environments of dietary supplements.
• Scientific creativity and innovation mindset.
• Strong storytelling and commercial communication ability.
• Customer‑centric thinking.
• Ability to translate science into business value.
• Cross‑functional collaboration.
• Knowledge of dietary supplement ingredients and their efficacy of use in various formats.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of personnel with the utmost professionalism.
• Ability to handle multiple, rapidly changing and conflicting priorities.
• Proven track record of innovation ideas successfully manufactured and in market.

The Perks

• No-cost vision insurance, employer‑paid life insurance, paid company holidays, generous paid time off, sick leave, employee assistance program, and a comprehensive wellness program.
• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans tailored for you and your dependents.
• Exceptional supplemental benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, Hospitalization indemnity plans, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan and more!

Compensation: A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $115,000–$130,000. The compensation offered may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and/or education.

Equal Opportunity

MeriCal is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, and where differences are embraced as strengths. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equality and celebrates diversity.

Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact [e-mail] if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or otherwise participate in the hiring process.

MeriCal uses E‑Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States. For more information on E‑Verify, please visit https://www.e-verify.gov/employees.

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