Lead Scientist

USANA Health Sciences; West Valley City (UT); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

On-site medical clinic

Flexible paid time off

Parental leave

401k match

Tuition reimbursement

Mentorship opportunities

Job summary

USANA Health Sciences in Salt Lake City, Utah, invites a Lead Scientist to guide strategic and technical direction across R&D programs, from concept to commercialization. You will champion formulations, processes, and ingredient technologies while upholding scientific rigor and data integrity.

You will mentor scientists, collaborate across teams, and influence technology transfer to readiness for market launch, with a hybrid in-office schedule in Salt Lake City.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree with 10+ years of R&D experience OR Doctoral degree with 3+ years of R&D experience
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex scientific projects

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple R&D programs from concept through commercialization, ensuring alignment with goals, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Set technical strategy for advanced formulations, process optimization, and ingredient innovation to improve performance and scalability
• Direct research into new ingredients, processes, and technologies, assessing feasibility and pipeline fit
• Author and approve high-level technical documentation with emphasis on data integrity
• Provide expert guidance on technical challenges and drive innovative solutions
• Mentor and develop scientists and analysts, promoting knowledge sharing and excellence
• Partner with cross-functional leadership to influence strategy and support technology transfer
• Identify trends and implement improvements to strengthen R&D efficiency and competitive edge

Skills

Leadership

R&D management

Formulation development

Cross-functional collaboration

Data interpretation

Education

Master’s degree in nutrition science/food science/chemical engineering or related

Doctoral degree (PhD/PharmD/MD/DO/DNP) in related health science

Job description

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for a visionary scientific leader to join our research and development team as a Lead Scientist. In this role, you will provide strategic and technical direction for multiple R&D programs, driving innovation in formulations, processes, and ingredient technologies. You will also set technical strategy, guide complex development initiatives, and uphold scientific rigor from first concept to commercial launch. Our ideal candidate is someone who inspires collaboration across teams, enjoys developing other scientists, and is energized by turning emerging science into products people love.

What You Will Do as a USANA Lead Scientist

• Lead multiple R&D programs from concept through commercialization, keeping them aligned with company goals, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Set technical strategy for advanced formulations, process optimization, and ingredient innovation to improve product performance and scalability
• Direct research into new ingredients, processes, and technologies, assessing feasibility and bringing the best ideas into the development pipeline
• Author and approve high-level technical documentation, including reports, risk assessments, and scientific justifications, with a focus on data integrity
• Provide expert guidance on critical technical challenges and drive innovative solutions
• Mentor and develop scientists and analysts, promoting knowledge sharing and technical excellence
• Partner with cross-functional leadership to influence strategic decisions, support technology transfer, and ensure readiness for commercialization
• Spot emerging trends and implement improvements that strengthen R&D efficiency and competitive advantage

Background and Skills You Will Need

• Master’s degree in nutrition science, food science, pharmaceutical science, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related life science or engineering field, with 10+ of R&D experience OR Doctoral degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, DO, DNP, or equivalent) in one of the fields above or a related health science field, with three or more years of R&D experience
• Demonstrated leadership in managing complex scientific projects

What Will Make You Standout

• Experience in formulation, process, or ingredient development
• Experience taking products from concept through commercialization

This is a hybrid role with regular weekly in-office time in Salt Lake City.

Who We Are

Since 1992, USANA has put science first with our focus on in-house research and manufacturing based in Salt Lake City, Utah to drive the creation of supplements that give your body the exact nutrition it needs to thrive. It’s why millions across the globe choose USANA as the nutritional provider for themselves and their loved ones. Today we are a billion-dollar company, thanks in part to more than 1,700 employees based around the world.

Our Culture

Excellence, Health, Integrity, and Community are core to our business. It is our commitment to always strive to be open-minded listeners, hold ourselves and others accountable, be respectful, and celebrate the strength that comes from collaboration. Through initiatives like our Inclusion and Belonging Council, we create a company culture where all members of the USANA family feel cared for, included, and valued.

USANA has repeatedly been named one of Utah’s Best Companies to Work For by Utah Business magazine, one of America’s Best Companies to Work For by Outside Magazine, one of the Best Places to Work for in the Direct Selling Industry by Direct Selling News, and named a top employer by Best of State.

What You Will Love About USANA

Our science backed mission to improve lives starts with you. With holistic wellness benefits, flexible work, and a culture built on care and connection, we help you thrive, so you can help others around the world do the same.

• Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance
• On-site medical and mental health clinic for you and your dependents
• Flexible paid time off, including sick time, vacation, holidays, family hours, and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave for both primary and secondary caregivers
• 401k match and profit-sharing bonus
• Chiropractor visits, massages, fitness classes, and full-service gym
• Free and discounted USANA products
• Tuition reimbursement, mentorship opportunities, and learning and development licenses

Security notice: USANA Health Sciences will never ask for sensitive personal information during the initial application process or via unsecure channels like email. If you receive such a request, please do not respond and report it to us directly.