R&D Formulations Technician

NC Nutritional, LLC; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

NC Nutritional, LLC seeks a hands-on R&D Formulations Technician to support the development, optimization, and scale-up of dietary supplement gummy formulations. You will work closely with R&D Formulators to prepare lab samples, run bench-top trials, evaluate ingredients, and document results in a fast-paced lab with multiple active projects.

Responsibilities include sample preparation and testing, developing new gummy formulas, bench-top batch preparation, and maintaining meticulous records.

Qualifications

• Minimum Associate’s Degree (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or related field preferred).
• Ability to take direction from chemists/formulators and follow procedures precisely.
• Strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision once trained.
• Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Comfortable working hands-on with powders, liquids, flavors, and food-grade ingredients.
• Experience with gummy, confectionery, or food formulation is preferred.
• Familiarity with dietary supplement dosage forms (gummies, powders, capsules, tablets).
• Experience with basic bench-top lab equipment (mixers, hot plates, thermometers, pH meter, etc.)

Responsibilities

• Assist with sample preparation and testing of new and existing gummy supplement products.
• Support formulation development including flavor, texture, and stability improvements.
• Prepare bench-top batches for feasibility trials, reformulations, and troubleshooting.
• Execute accurate weighing, staging, and mixing of ingredients using lab scales and measuring equipment.
• Perform and document scale calibration checks and basic lab equipment verification.
• Record batch sheets, observations, and results using good documentation practices.
• Maintain lab cleanliness, organization, and safe handling of ingredients.
• Communicate results and issues clearly to the R&D team to support fast iteration.

Skills

Attention to detail

Lab techniques

Documentation

Team collaboration

Education

Associate’s Degree (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or related field)

Tools

Lab scales

pH meter

Thermometers

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on R&D Formulations Technician to support the development, optimization, and scale-up of dietary supplement gummy formulations. This role will work closely with R&D Formulators to prepare lab samples, run bench-top trials, evaluate ingredients, and document results. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, organized, and comfortable working in a fast-paced lab environment with multiple active projects.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with sample preparation and testing of new and existing gummy supplement products

Support R&D Formulators in developing new gummy formulas, including flavor, texture, and stability improvements

Prepare bench-top batches for feasibility trials, reformulations, and troubleshooting

Execute accurate weighing, staging, and mixing of ingredients using lab scales and measuring equipment

Perform and document scale calibration checks and basic lab equipment verification

Gummy-Specific Formulation Responsibilities

Support gummy formulation development using common gummy systems such as:

Pectin, gelatin, and other gelling systems

Sweeteners and syrups (ex: sucrose, glucose syrup, tapioca syrup, sugar-free systems where applicable)

Assist with evaluation of gummy performance attributes including:

Texture/chew, firmness, stickiness/tack, elasticity, and overall mouthfeel

Set time, demolding performance, and flow/handling characteristics

Moisture sensitivity, sweating/weeping, crystallization, and stability concerns

Support trials involving gummy functional ingredients (vitamins, minerals, botanicals, acids) and help identify formulation challenges such as:

Off-notes, bitterness, metallic taste, and lingering aftertaste

Become familiar with raw materials and their physical characteristics, including:

Organoleptic evaluation (color, smell, taste)

Bulk density, tapped density, particle size, flow characteristics

Work with flavor systems and understand typical usage rates and dosing ranges

Assist with selection and evaluation of functional support ingredients used in gummies such as:

Acids, buffering agents, emulsifiers, plasticizers, humectants

Colors, flavors, sweeteners, and taste modulation ingredients

Support taste-masking strategies using bitterness blockers, sweetener systems, and masking agents

Testing, Documentation & Organization

Mix and track multiple test batches and maintain clear identification of samples

Record batch sheets, observations, and results using good documentation practices

Assist with maintaining lab cleanliness, organization, and safe handling of ingredients

Communicate results and issues clearly to the R&D team to support fast iteration

Reports To

R&D Formulators / R&D Manager

Qualifications

Required

Minimum Associate’s Degree (Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or related field preferred)

Ability to take direction from chemists/formulators and follow procedures precisely

Strong ability to work independently with minimal supervision once trained

Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple projects simultaneously

Comfortable working hands-on with powders, liquids, flavors, and food-grade ingredients

Preferred (Nice to Have)

Experience with gummy, confectionery, or food formulation (lab or production)

Familiarity with dietary supplement dosage forms (gummies, powders, capsules, tablets)

Experience with basic bench-top lab equipment (mixers, hot plates, thermometers, pH meter, etc.)

Key Skills & Attributes

Strong attention to detail and accurate weighing/mixing

Organized and able to maintain clean records and sample tracking

Curious mindset and willingness to learn ingredient behavior and formulation troubleshooting

Team-oriented with a “get it done” attitude in a lab setting