Lief Labs is a premier formulation and product development innovator and manufacturer of dietary supplements. Our in-house Product Development and R&D team create the best-tasting and most cutting-edge formulations of supplements. Lief also houses a state-of-the-art, full-service Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) manufacturing facility, which offers custom solutions for a multitude of supplement categories. Lief collaborates with entrepreneurial firms to help them build premier brands. Our turnkey solutions allow us to engage in seamless partnerships that help brands with scalability and sustainable growth. Lief Labs is located in the Santa Clarita Valley (Valencia, CA.) All roles are on-site Monday – Friday.

Summary

The Sr. Formulation Scientist is responsible for independently conducting formulation development activities within Nutraceuticals product operations. Responsibilities include formulation/reformulation and process development, scale up and Technical Transfer to cGMP production scale. The Sr. Formulation Scientist will be well versed on the oral dosage technologies and work closely with the Technical Operations team on process equipment.

Responsibilities

• The Sr. Formulation Scientist is responsible for the successful development and commercialization of new products.
• Provide scientific support in all aspects of formulation product development.
• Review and approve all new formulations received from Product Development and or Sales.
• Be readily available to perform quick and timely adjustments to optimize production runs at all stages of the production process
• This role is responsible for all aspects of formula and process development from pre-formulation to commercialization to achieve new product development goals.
• Develops prototypes to demonstrate application of new technologies and develop related intellectual properties
• Optimization of existing formulas to improve production efficiency.
• New formulation and reformulation include coordination and execution of bench top, pilot, scale up and verification batches.
• Present relevant findings and provide guidance to Product Development, Formulation Scientist as needed.
• Closely work with Product Development, Formulation Scientist and Quality departments to ensure any deviations and changes are captured and recorded.
• Provides technical and scientific input, support, and assistance to other technical disciplines.
• Leverage sensory evaluation results to optimize formulations and processes.
• Effectively troubleshoot and solve complex formulations & technical challenges with speed and robustness.
• Ability to work with Q.C. in finding root cause for OOS.
• You will be a scientific SME in solving complex formulation issues.
• Develops a network of outside contacts such as vendors, consultants, educators, and appropriate continuing education courses.
• Trains others in developing new products; conducts appropriate experiments and instructs in the proper use of laboratory and manufacturing equipment.
• Collecting data, writing reports, and presenting findings to senior management
• Performs quality work within deadlines under general guidance.
• Interacts professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Works effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Works independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Prepares baseline schedules, schedules documents for approval, and drives process to completion.
• Participates in project meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, or a related field (Master’s or PhD preferred).

Experience:

• Firm foundation in chemistry, mathematics, pharmaceutics and/or food science.
• Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Chemical Engineering, Food Science or other relevant Science degree.
• In-depth knowledge of formula development in 2-Hard Shell capsule, Powder Fills, Tablets and or other dosage forms.
• Successful track record of robustly developing and commercializing new products in manufacturing.
• Ability to lead a cross-functional team environment with Sales, Accounts Management and Operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in product development/process development, laboratory techniques and regulatory requirements and a firm foundation in science.
• Ability to train and develop Product Development, Research Development, Technical Formulation Chemist staff in reformulating existing formulas, developing new products, conducting appropriate experiments, and instructing in the proper use of laboratory equipment.

Skills/ Abilities Problem Solving

• Data analysis
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Solid understanding of computer programming and software development
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment problems and perform complex system tests
• Creative thinking skills
• Planning & organizing
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Relationship Management
• Quality Orientation
• Ability to interact at all levels
• Ability to work as a team member
• Flexibility/ adaptability/ multi-tasking

Work Environment

The office is clean, orderly, properly lighted, and ventilated. Noise levels are considered low to moderate. Field conditions vary.

Exposed to various raw materials, including allergens (i.e. milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nut, peanuts, wheat, soy).

Physical Demands

Must be able to see, hear, speak and write clearly in order to communicate with employees and/or other customers; manual dexterity required for occasional reaching and lifting of small objects, and operating office equipment. Travels as required to meet accountabilities.

Additional Information
The Salary Range for this position at Lief Labs is 80k-110k (USD). Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to market demands, experience, training, skills, and education. The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, wellness benefits, education reimbursement program, and PTO. This position is bonus eligible.

Lief is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex including sexual orientation and gender identity, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our career center as a result of your disability. To request accommodation, contact the Lief Human Resources department.

Lief will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Lief uses E-Verify to confirm work eligibility in the United States. E-Verify compares the information on your Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to official government records.