Product Development Scientist

Catalyst Nutraceuticals; Buford (GA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Catalyst Nutraceuticals is seeking a Product Development Scientist to lead powder-based formulation and flavor system development, directing benchtop work and contributing to commercialization of nutraceutical products.

The role emphasizes flavor chemistry, sensory evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration across Product Development, Sales, Procurement, Quality, and Production. Strong knowledge of powder physics and ingredient interactions is required for successful development and launch.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree required.
• Experience with flavor chemistry and sensory evaluation desirable.
• Familiarity with powder formulation development and processing is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple development projects and coordinate with Sales, Procurement, QA, and Production.

Responsibilities

• Develop flavor systems for powder products including selection, blending, and dosage optimization.
• Design and develop complex powder formulations from concept to commercialization.
• Evaluate powder system characteristics such as density, flow, hygroscopicity, and dispersibility.
• Manage flavor sample inventory and evaluate new flavor technologies from suppliers.
• Support regulatory with labeling and nutrition panel considerations.

Skills

Flavor development

Sensory evaluation

Powder formulation

Benchtop development

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Odoo

ERP system

Job description

• Base Pay $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 / Year
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree 4 Year Degree

Description

The Product Development Scientist specializes in powder-based formulation and flavor system development, bringing a high level of technical expertise to the creation, optimization, and commercialization of finished nutraceutical products. This role leads benchtop development of complex powder formulations, with particular depth in flavor chemistry, sensory evaluation, ingredient interaction, and powder physics, and serves as a key technical resource across Product Development, Sales, Procurement, Quality, and Production.

Key Responsibilities

Flavor Development & Sensory Evaluation

• Develop flavor systems for powder products, including flavor selection, blending, dosage optimization, and iteration based on internal and customer sensory feedback.
• Apply understanding of flavor-ingredient interaction to address common powder challenges: bitterness masking, metallic notes, oxidative off-flavors, and flavor fade over shelf life.
• Conduct structured organoleptic evaluations (appearance, aroma, taste, texture, mouthfeel, aftertaste), document panel feedback, and translate sensory data into actionable formulation changes.
• Manage flavor sample inventory, evaluate new flavor technologies from supplier partners, and maintain flavor library with approved usage levels and application notes.
• Support customer flavor briefs from concept through approval, coordinating revisions with Sales and flavor vendors to align on target profile, cost, and timeline.

Powder Formulation & Development

• Design and develop complex powder formulations from concept through commercialization, including pre-workouts, greens blends, protein powders, amino acid complexes, functional beverages, and specialty wellness blends.
• Evaluate and optimize powder system characteristics including bulk density, tap density, flowability, hygroscopicity, particle size distribution, and dispersibility across formula iterations.
• Conduct benchtop trials and scale-up development to assess blendability, segregation risk, and processing suitability; document results and recommend adjustments.
• Troubleshoot formulation and processing issues related to caking, clumping, color instability, moisture uptake, and ingredient incompatibility.
• Record and interpret bench test results including pH, brix, salinity, color, viscosity, and reconstitution behavior.
• Review ingredient specifications, allergen statements, COAs, and compositional data to ensure formula integrity and label compliance.

Raw Material Evaluation & Sourcing Support

• Evaluate new and alternative raw materials for functional performance, sensory impact, and cost suitability; provide structured technical assessments to Quality, Sourcing and Procurement.
• Check ingredient inventory levels and coordinate replenishment requests as needed to maintain uninterrupted development activity.

Project & Task Management

• Independently manage a pipeline of development projects using Odoo project management tools, maintaining accurate status on quote sheets, flavor evaluations, benching activities, scale-ups, and expiration extensions.
• Complete tasks with urgency and precision, proactively communicating progress, blockers, and milestone updates to Product Development management and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings to align on timelines, sample status, and commercialization readiness.

ERP & Quoting

• Operate proficiently in an ERP system to search and manage part numbers for raw materials, packaging components, finished goods, and sub-assemblies.
• Review current costs, vendors, pack sizes, MOQs, BOMs, purchase history, and production records to inform quoting decisions.
• Build new quote sheets from customer-supplied briefs and formulas; transfer legacy quotes into current format with accuracy.
• Create RFQs for new ingredients and notify Sourcing/ Procurement with relevant project details, estimated volumes, and supplier recommendations.
• Draft preliminary Supplement and Nutrition Facts panels and ingredient composition statements in coordination with Regulatory.
• Build BOMs for finished products and sub-assemblies for customer-approved formulas.
• Prepare and ship product samples to customers; coordinate with Shipping on labels, packaging, and delivery timelines.
• Assist Commercialization with density measurements, scoop size determinations, packaging format recommendations, and blend instructions for new launches.
• Support Production during new product launches to ensure smooth technical handoff from development.
• Assist Product Development management with customer and supplier on-site meetings, demos, and tastings; provide post-session recaps and defined next steps.

Label & Regulatory Review

• Review customer-supplied labels for accuracy of Supplement/Nutrition Facts panels, ingredient declarations, claims, certifications, net weights, and directions for use.
• Identify and escalation label discrepancies or compliance concerns in a timely manner.
• Sign-off on Finish Product Specifications for accuracy.

Employment Eligibility Verification

Must possess valid documentation to establish identity and U.S. employment eligibility.

Security Requirements

Submission to, and ability to pass, a thorough pre-employment background check by Catalyst is a requirement of employment.

Catalyst is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Requirements

• Required to wear personal protective equipment in lab and production environments.
• Regularly exposed to production environment conditions including powders, dust, fumes, and other airborne particles.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand or remain active for extended periods during benchtop development and sensory evaluations.