Research and Development Specialist

usana; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

On-site medical clinic

Flexible time off

Parental leave

401k match

Profit-sharing bonus

Gym access

Product discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Mentorship opportunities

Learning and development licenses

Job summary

USANA is seeking an experienced Research & Development Specialist to lead high-impact projects from formulation to commercialization. You will act as the primary technical authority, mentor junior staff, and shape innovation strategy while ensuring rigorous documentation and regulatory compliance.

The role is a full-time, in-office position in Salt Lake City with opportunities to influence multiple product lines and collaborate across the organization.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and own complex, high-impact R&D projects from concept to commercialization.
• Design large-scale studies, trials, and validation programs across product lines.
• Serve as technical authority in cross-functional meetings and reviews.
• Establish documentation standards and ensure audit-ready records.
• Communicate with senior stakeholders to align R&D with business goals.
• Mentor R&D staff and support career development.
• Set direction for R&D systems, processes, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and safety policies.
• Champion innovation and share best practices across the org.
• Collaborate with vendors, partners, or regulators as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Mentoring

Regulatory knowledge

Scientific rigor

Education

Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences or related

Master's degree or higher (preferred)

Job description

Who We Are Looking For

We are looking for an experienced research professional to join our team as a Research & Development Specialist. In this role, you will lead complex, high-impact projects—from formulation and product development through testing and technical evaluation owning studies, experimental trials, and validation programs from concept through commercialization. You'll serve as the primary technical authority in cross-functional meetings and technical reviews, mentor others, and help shape USANA's product and process innovation strategy.

What You Will Do as USANA's Research & Development Specialist III

• Lead and own complex, high-impact projects and programs, ensuring quality, accuracy, and scientific rigor of outcomes
• Design and direct large-scale or strategic studies, experimental trials, and validation programs, often spanning multiple product lines, categories, or business units
• Serve as the primary technical authority and subject-matter expert in cross-functional project meetings, technical reviews, and stakeholder discussions
• Establish standards for documentation practices and ensure accurate, complete, and audit-ready records across R&D projects
• Communicate effectively with senior stakeholders and cross-functional leaders to resolve complex technical issues and align R&D initiatives with broader business goals
• Mentor and develop R&D Specialist I and II staff, providing technical guidance, coaching, and career development support, while working independently with minimal to no oversight
• Set direction for the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of R&D systems, processes, and best practices
• Ensure organization-wide adherence to regulatory, safety, and company policies, and lead efforts to address systemic gaps or risks
• Champion innovation and drive significant process or product improvements, sharing knowledge and best practices across the organization
• Represent R&D in cross-functional, interdepartmental, and external initiatives, including engagement with vendors, partners, or regulatory bodies as needed

Background and Skills You Will Need

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or a related scientific field
• 5+ years of relevant experience in research and development, product development, or a related technical role, including experience leading complex or strategic 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

What Will Make You Standout

• An advanced degree (Master's or higher) in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Nutrition, or a related scientific field

This is a full-time in-office role located in Salt Lake City. No remote/hybrid schedule available.

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

Learn more about working with us by visiting careers.usanainc.com

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.