R&D Manager – 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.

Summary

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.

What You’ll Do:

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.
• Works 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.
  
  
  

What We’re Looking For:

• 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.
• The candidate will have a grasp of the product development process from concept to launch including formulation knowledge, understanding of chemical interactions, experience with process design and equipment selection as well as broad knowledge of ingredients and the related dietary supplement and nutraceutical regulations.
• Hands on knowledge of solid dose and powders manufacturing equipment (tablet presses, capsule fillers, coating equipment, blenders, granulation and milling equipment) as well as the understanding of the manufacturing unit operations associated with each equipment type. The candidate must have a proven track record of success and expertise in commercial dietary supplement and functional food formulation development in a fast-paced environment.
• The candidate will be able to successfully collaborate with key functional partners e.g., sales, marketing, quality, supply, production, and distribution to solve problems, negotiate use of limited resources and resolve conflicts.
• Detail oriented, organized, and analytical with essential math skills for formulation.
• The candidate must be a self-starter, a team-player, have excellent written and verbal communication skills and be able to use Microsoft Office and Excel and ready to learn other ERP software platforms such as Deacom.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must successfully pass a background check and drug screening.
  
  
  

Why Join Us?

Opportunities to expand your expertise and leadership in a growth-oriented company.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package. To support the health of our employees and their dependents we provide:

• Paid vacation & sick leave,
• Medical, dental and vision insurance plans.
• Flexible spending account, life insurance and short & long term disability insurances.
• 401K with employer match
  
  
  

Salary Will Be Based On Relevant Education And Experience.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re passionate about formulation, innovation, and product development we want to hear from you! Apply now to be a key player in shaping the future of sports nutrition.