Senior Innovation Scientist

Company: SCN BestCo
Location: Santa Cruz
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

California2200 Delaware AveSanta Cruz, CA 95060, USAWe believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prebiotics/probiotics in enjoyable forms such as gummies, lozenges and chews. With over 50 years of excellence, our team leads the way in changing how consumers make healthier choices. With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we've pioneered many firsts. The fire in our belly to create new to the world products has guided and continues to be core to our mission of making health and wellness more enjoyable. Come join us and become a part of our winning formula!The Senior Innovation Scientist is an advanced Research & Development (R&D) position responsible for researching, developing, and commercializing new VMS (vitamin, mineral & supplement) products and/or technologies, improving existing products and/or technologies in collaboration with internal and external teams. This position leads new product development from ingredient research to commercialization, and R&D efforts to support Production, Engineering, and Quality in troubleshooting and optimizing products and processes. The Senior Innovation Scientist interacts closely with suppliers, customers, and other departments within the company. This position is a subject matter expert on their customers and products, leads R&D tasks of improvement projects and investigations, and trains and guides junior level R&D staff.Estimated starting annual base salary is $112,717.99 - $169,076.98 per year less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. Please note that the actual compensation offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined by the Company, which may include, but is not limited to, location, experience, qualifications, education, skillset, and market conditions. The target base compensation for this role is in the low to middle of the range, with the top of the range reserved for only exceptional circumstances. In addition, this role is eligible for a discretionary, variable annual incentive, paid based on Company performance factors. SCN BestCo offers a competitive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, which currently includes medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with employer matching contributions, life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more, as well as paid sick leave in accordance with applicable law. Each benefit is subject to eligibility requirements as specified in plan documents, and the Company reserves the right to modify the benefits it offers from time to time.Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with internal teams and customers to develop new products from ingredient and technology research, product ideation, formulation, bench-top prototypes, scale up to commercialization. Ensure new products are developed and launched within project timelines and financial targets, while meeting quality and regulatory requirements.
• Lead R&D responsibilities related to product development and project management in the internal cross functional innovation team. Actively communicate with internal and customers' teams on changes in project scopes and timelines, risk assessment and mitigation plans.
• Remain abreast of industry-relevant developments such as new ingredients/technologies, category trends, regulations, certifications.
• Lead collaboration with raw material, instrument, and equipment suppliers to bring new ingredients, technology, and/or concepts to VMS formulation and process, and present new product concepts and prototypes to strategic customers.
• Lead R&D effort in continuous process and product improvement projects in collaboration with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to drive quality and value improvement.
• Partner with Stability Program team to develop lab and commercial stability testing plan, monitor organoleptic properties, and determine shelf life.
• Provide technical support to Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to drive quality and value improvement on product and process. Lead R&D tasks in out of spec (OOS), out of tolerance (OOT), customer complaint and other product quality related investigations.
• Partner with Process Development and Upstream Innovation teams to optimize process and quality specifications during scale up, and transfer formula, product and technology to different manufacturing lines and sites.
• Train and guide junior level R&D staff and other technical teams within the company.
• Collaborate with R&D teams within VMS network to share learnings and best practices and troubleshoot issues.
• Travel as needed to attend trade shows, conferences, training, product transfer, and other offsite meetings and events.Required QualificationsEducation & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in food science, technology, engineering, or related field.
  • 9 years' work experience in the food or dietary supplement industry, with at least 6 years in R&D.
  • Proven food science and related knowledge.
  • Computer proficiency including Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, SharePoint).
  • Able to adjust work priorities quickly to meet changing demands.
  • Excellent innovation, organization, time management, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal staff and management. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
  • Must be able to demonstrate practical problem solving and trouble shooting skills. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.Preferred Qualifications
    • Master's degree in a relevant field.
    • Gummy manufacturing experience.Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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Keywords: SCN BestCo, San Rafael , Senior Innovation Scientist, Other , Santa Cruz, California