R&D Scientist

Normine Lombard; Scappoose (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Normine Lombard is seeking an R&D Scientist to lead flavoring and formulation across powders, RTD beverages, baked goods, and extruded products for sports nutrition.

You will apply nutrition science and chemistry knowledge to develop consumer-accepted products from concept to commercialization in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. Travel up to 25% may be required.

Qualifications

• Must have a strong background in flavoring theory and application.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality, food chemistry, and sensory science.
• Proficient in formulating food and beverage products with time and budget constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with formulation and nutritional software (ESHA) is a plus.
• Experience with basic statistical analysis tools and research methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a proactive and flexible approach to R&D challenges.

Responsibilities

• Flavoring products.
• Hands-on development of innovative sports nutrition products in various delivery formats.
• Utilize the latest research and trends in nutritional science and biochemistry to guide development decisions and optimize product efficacy.
• Apply a deep understanding of physical and organic chemistry principles to drive product optimization and flavor development.
• Participate in and contribute to sensory evaluation studies; collect and interpret data to guide formulation adjustments for consumer acceptability.
• Conduct stability testing and troubleshoot formulation challenges with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Project Management, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Legal, and external partners to ensure timely and compliant product launches.
• Operation of laboratory equipment, including mixers, pH meters, Brix refractometers, density testers, and other analytical tools.
• Develop formulas considering ingredient claims, interactions in formulation, and implications for certificate of analysis standards.
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with strategic goals.
• Ensure exemplary record keeping, reporting, and documentation of all project activities in both written and electronic formats.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with internal policies and safety standards.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements to ensure product claims and nutrition facts panels meet applicable standard (FDA, DSHEA, etc.).
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs); support scale-up trials and commercial production activities.
• Refine and standardize raw material specifications.

Skills

Flavoring theory

Ingredient functionality

Sensory science

Formulation under constraints

Independent work

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Statistical analysis

Problem-solving mindset

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor of Science in Food Science or related

Tools

ESHA Nutrition Software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Lab equipment operation

Job description

Must be willling to relocate to the Salt Lake City, Utah area

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented R&D Scientist to join their dynamic Research & Development team, with a focus on sports nutrition product innovation. This role requires prior experience directly formulating and flavoring products across a variety of delivery matrices, including powders, ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages, baked/freeze-dried goods, and extruded items. The ideal candidate will combine a strong scientific foundation with creativity and practical hands-on execution to deliver innovative, consumer-accepted products from concept to commercialization.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment and is passionate about performance nutrition, functional ingredients, and food science.

Job Responsibilities

• Flavoring products.
• Hands-on development of innovative sports nutrition products in various delivery formats.
• Utilize the latest research and trends in nutritional science and biochemistry to guide development decisions and optimize product efficacy.
• Apply a deep understanding of physical and organic chemistry principles to drive product optimization and flavor development.
• Participate in and contribute to sensory evaluation studies; collect and interpret data to guide formulation adjustments for consumer acceptability.
• Conduct stability testing and troubleshoot formulation challenges with minimal supervision.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Project Management, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Regulatory, Legal, and external partners to ensure timely and compliant product launches.
• Operation of laboratory equipment, including mixers, pH meters, Brix refractometers, density testers, and other analytical tools.
• Develop formulas considering ingredient claims, interactions in formulation, and implications for certificate of analysis standards.
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and in alignment with strategic goals.
• Ensure exemplary record keeping, reporting, and documentation of all project activities in both written and electronic formats.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment in compliance with internal policies and safety standards.
• Awareness of regulatory requirements to ensure product claims and nutrition facts panels meet applicable standard (FDA, DSHEA, etc.).
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with contract manufacturing organizations (CMOs); support scale-up trials and commercial production activities.
• Refine and standardize raw material specifications.

Job Qualifications

• Must have a strong background in flavoring theory and application.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality, food chemistry, and sensory science.
• Proficient in formulating food and beverage products with time and budget constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to explain technical concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical, organizational, and project management abilities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with formulation and nutritional software (e.g., ESHA) is a plus.
• Experience with basic statistical analysis tools and research methodologies.
• Strong problem-solving mindset with a proactive and flexible approach to R&D challenges.
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Food Science, Food Chemistry, Nutritional Sciences, or a related scientific discipline.
• Preferred: Advanced coursework or background in nutritional biochemistry.
• Minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience in food product development, preferably in sports nutrition, functional foods, or nutraceuticals.
• Hands-on experience with contract manufacturing or co-manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
• Flavoring products and experience working through various food matrices for ideal organoleptics, stability, and making label claims are key.
• Understanding of regulatory frameworks related to food labeling and nutrition claims.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% for production trials, vendor visits, and other project needs.