Innovation Scientist

MeriCal®; Orange (CA); 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 and holidays

Wellness program and health benefits

401(k) matching

Job summary

MeriCal, a pioneer in the dietary supplement space, seeks an Innovation Scientist to bridge science and business, generating compelling product concepts and translating emerging science into commercially viable innovations. This role requires a strong scientist with storytelling ability and a track record of connecting science, market trends, and business opportunities.

The candidate will develop market-relevant concepts, collaborate with sales, and lead innovation workshops while translating

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in R&D and manufacturing environments for dietary supplements.
• Excellent storytelling and commercial communication ability.
• Ability to translate science into business value and customer benefits.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work across levels and teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop differentiated, market-relevant dietary supplement concepts aligned with trends and briefs.
• Create prototype formulas across capsules, powders, gummies, and other forms.
• Stay current on emerging science and technology trends and translate them into concepts.
• Translate consumer insights and scientific data into compelling product narratives.
• Partner with sales as the technical expert in customer engagements and pitches.
• Lead ideation sessions and workshops; support innovation with data and storytelling.
• Collaborate with formulators, regulatory, and operations to advance concepts to scalable products.

Skills

Scientific storytelling

Business value translation

Cross-functional collaboration

Customer-centric thinking

Communication skills

Prioritization

Education

BS or higher degree in a science field related to dietary supplement formulation

Job description

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 a strong scientist and an effective storyteller who can connect science, market trends, and business opportunities.

What You’ll Do

• Develop differentiated, market‑relevant dietary supplement concepts that align with trends, customer briefs, emerging science, and brand positioning.
• Create prototype formulas across dosage forms (capsules, powders, gummies, etc.).
• Stay relevant on emerging science and technology trends.
• Translate consumer insights, emerging science, and manufacturing capabilities into compelling product narratives.

Sales Enablement & Customer Engagement

• Partner with sales support in 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 stability and ingredient databases.

Supplied Collaboration & External Innovation

• Participate in supplied innovation meetings to identify new ingredient technologies and opportunities.
• Collaborate with strategic suppliers 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 a science field related 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.
• 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 comprehensive wellness program.
• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans for you and dependents.
• Supplemental benefits including accident, critical illness, hospitalization indemnity plans, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan and more.

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

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.

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, or to otherwise participate in the hiring process.

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