Sorry, this listing is no longer accepting applications. Don’t worry, we have more awesome opportunities and internships for you.

R&D Chemist, Product Developer

OPUS International, Inc.

R&D Chemist, Product Developer

Chicago, IL
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    R&D Chemist, Product Developer

    (Supplement / Nootropic / Life Science R&D Supply Industry)

    Summary

    An innovative, growing company in the Chicago area engaged in biotechnology research, and research, development, manufacturing and marketing of dietary supplements and nootropics, has a key R&D Chemist & Product Developer position.

    - The candidate filling this position will work directly with the founding partner who is highly passionate about product research and development.

    - The individual filling this position will play a critical role in influencing the future direction of the company and the development of the future product portfolio and new process platforms.

    - The position is located at our company HQ, currently located in Lincolnshire, IL, a pleasant northern suburb of Chicago.

    Key Responsibilities:

    - Conduct online research to inspire and spearhead development of new products / formulations; selection of and internal development of key novel ingredients.

    - Develop new innovative nutraceutical formats / form factors to reach new markets.

    - Carry out and manage lab technicians to assist with benchtop R&D, while maintaining detailed documentation of research including methods and results.

    - Verify and validate newly developed formulas and formats including defining their QC specifications and the associated analytical procedures.

    - Prototype new product; obtain lead consumer feedback; eventually manage clinical validation.

    - Define and document manufacturing steps for test production, scaleup, and ongoing full scale production of existing and new formulations and formats.

    - Select analytical equipment, plan and manage build out of in-house R&D/QC lab.

    - Manage 3rd party analytical testing sample submissions for ingredients and finished products.

    - Review and present analytical testing results for ingredients and finished products to the

    approving Partner(s).

    - Define document formats for QC Analysis, Safety Data Sheets and other product quality and certifications; manage technical writers to prepare above analytical, quality and safety documentation for each ingredient / compound lot, blend, and finished product batch.

    - Develop formats for, manage technical writers to prepare, and present descriptive Product Information / Benefits Summaries, Use Instructions, Cautions, and Supplement Facts Panels

    - Interface with Marketing to prepare Write-Ups which outline key product information.

    - Investigate and resolve QC issues with raw ingredients and finished products to establish and consistently achieve desired raw material and finished product specifications.

    - Train Production room team members and QC team on product / process requirements for their contributions on tasks relating to QC and product development.

    - Communicate with all partners, Directors of Operations and Creative director on the product research and development steps and results.

    - Select cGMP consulting firm, define and write comprehensive SOPs for cGMP, train Production Manager on cGMP practices, train production staff on cGMP procedures in conjunction with Production Manager, achieve third party cGMP certification.


    Experience and Qualifications:

    - Formal tertiary education in chemistry; preferably biochemistry, natural product chemistry, analytical chemistry, phytochemical extraction, organic synthetic chemistry chemical engineering, and/or related fields is required.

    - Advanced MS / PhD. degree and/or prior experience in supplement QC / R&D and Product Development, or biopharma QC / R&D and product development is highly desired.

    - Thorough knowledge of analytical chemistry techniques, including instrumentation and selection of analytical methods that are most appropriate to employ for an ingredient or compound to cost effectively ensure identity, purity and absence of undesirable contaminants, is highly desired.


    Key Characteristics:

    - Intensely curious, passionate about discovery, scientific research and bring innovation from the lab to the marketplace where it can benefit numerous real people in the real world.

    - A self-starter, able to set goals, manage projects, find creative solutions, and work systematically to meet targets without requiring frequent close supervision.

    - Motivated to complete milestones and take initiative to help others do likewise.

    - A problem solver; enjoys challenges, acquiring new skills and growing in responsibility,

    - A good communicator and team player. Thrives on achieving goals in a dynamic team environment.


    Perks

    - Working closely with a supportive, receptive and tight-knit team in a unique and innovation-centered work environment.

    - A great opportunity to grow with the company and help define its future course.

    - Possibility of gaining equity ownership in the company in case of exceptional performance.

    - Competitive Health Care, Paid Time Off and Retirement benefits.

    All Candidates must be able to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

    For more information, contact Moira McGrath at moira@foodscience.com or (954) 428-3888.