R&D Lead: Product Innovation & Validation

USANA Health Sciences; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

On-site clinic

Flexible PTO

Parental leave

401k match

Gym access

Product discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

USANA Health Sciences in Salt Lake City, UT, seeks an experienced Research & Development Specialist III to lead high-impact projects from formulation through validation, serving as the technical authority in cross-functional settings and guiding staff in rigorous scientific execution.

You will develop studies spanning multiple product lines, set documentation standards, and ensure regulatory compliance while mentoring junior team members to advance the company's product and process innovations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in research and development or related technical role, including leading complex projects.
• Advanced knowledge of quality and food safety standards applicable to the industry.
• Demonstrated track record of leading cross-functional initiatives and mentoring junior technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead and own complex, high-impact projects and programs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and scientific rigor of outcomes.
• Design and direct large-scale studies, experimental trials, and validation programs across product lines.
• Serve as the primary technical authority in cross-functional meetings and reviews.
• Establish standards for documentation practices and audit-ready records across R&D projects.
• Communicate with senior stakeholders to align R&D initiatives with business goals.
• Mentor R&D Specialists I and II, providing guidance and career development support.
• Set direction for development and continuous improvement of R&D systems and processes.
• Ensure adherence to regulatory, safety, and company policies; address gaps or risks.
• Champion innovation and drive process or product improvements across the organization.
• Represent R&D in cross-functional and external initiatives with vendors or regulators.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Quality knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or related

Job description

USANA Health Sciences in Salt Lake City, UT, seeks an experienced Research & Development Specialist III to lead high-impact projects from formulation through validation, serving as the technical authority in cross-functional settings and guiding staff in rigorous scientific execution.

You will develop studies spanning multiple product lines, set documentation standards, and ensure regulatory compliance while mentoring junior team members to advance the company's product and process innovations.