R&D Manager

Overview

Formulation Dietary Supplements Join Universal Nutrition and Shape the Future of Sports Nutrition! Universal Nutrition, a leader in sports nutrition manufacturing, is looking for a dynamic, hands-on R&D Manager to drive innovation in formulation and lab operations. This on-site role in New Brunswick, NJ, offers an exciting opportunity to lead cutting-edge product development while collaborating with a passionate team. The scientist will work under the direction of operations and in coordination with other departments to support, coordinate, and develop cutting-edge nutrition (powders) and supplement products (tablets, capsules, and powders) for its existing brands.

The R&D Manager develops and maintains nutritional supplement formulations in various delivery formats (tablets, capsules, and powders) for launch in the US and international markets. The R&D Manager works collaboratively with various internal groups on product formulation, product/process development, scale up and commercialization of dietary supplement dosage forms. The R&D Manager will develop, expand, and manage internal programs and staff to collect relevant physical data on raw materials and finished product to improve manufacturability.

In addition, the R&D Manager will explore and conduct research in relevant technologies for product innovation and product/processes enhancement. The R&D Manager ensures formulations are high quality, cost effective, and meet brand guidelines.

• Formulation Development & Innovation: Lead the end-to-end development of new dietary supplement products (capsules, tablets, powders) from concept to commercialization.
• Enhance existing formulations and process for better stability, taste, and manufacturability.
• Research and source high-quality raw materials based on functionality, bioavailability, and compliance.
• Work collaboratively with cross functional teams to solve complex formulation and technical challenges with speed and robustness.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and manufacturing innovations.

• Lab & Program Oversight: Expand and enhance lab capabilities to analyze physical and chemical properties of raw materials.
• Develop and implement testing protocols to assess powder flowability, particle size, hygroscopicity, and other characteristics that impact manufacturing.
• Use collected data to refine formulations and enhance production efficiency.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and validation of lab equipment.

• Supervisory Responsibilities: Supervise and mentor lab technicians, fostering growth and technical expertise.
• Provide hands-on training in formulation techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing, quality, supply chain, sales and marketing to align product development with company objectives.
• Drive R&D project timelines, ensuring efficiency and innovation.

• Regulatory & Compliance: Ensure all formulations comply with FDA, cGMP, NSF, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation, including formulation records, stability studies, and lab reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet departmental and company objectives.
• Represent Universal Nutrition at industry trade shows and conferences.
• Any other projects and tasks.

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a scientific discipline such as Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition/Dietetics, or related field required.
• Five to ten years of formulation and R&D related experience in the dietary supplement industry.
• Understanding of the product development process from concept to launch including formulation knowledge, chemical interactions, process design and equipment selection, and broad knowledge of ingredients and related regulations.
• Hands-on knowledge of solid dose and powders manufacturing equipment (tablet presses, capsule fillers, coating equipment, blenders, granulation and milling equipment) and understanding of unit operations; proven track record in commercial dietary supplement and functional food formulation in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to collaborate with key functional partners (sales,…