Our client, a fast-growing leader in the functional food, supplement, and wellness ingredient industry, is seeking an accomplished R&D Scientist to drive innovation and scientific excellence across their ingredient portfolio. This individual will play a critical role in developing, optimizing, and validating ingredient processes and analytical methods to advance the potency, consistency, and bioavailability of natural, bioactive compounds. This position is ideal for a technically driven and entrepreneurial scientist who thrives in a collaborative environment, excels at translating scientific insights into commercial outcomes, and is passionate about functional nutrition and wellness innovation.

The R&D Scientist will lead research and development initiatives focused on ingredient optimization, analytical method development, and bioactive compound testing. Partnering closely with cross-functional teams—including Quality, Mycology, and Operations—this individual will support the full lifecycle of ingredient innovation, from discovery through commercialization. The successful candidate will be hands-on, organized, and capable of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously, while fostering a culture of scientific curiosity, precision, and accountability.

**This is a hybrid position must onsite at least 3 days a week in San Diego, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize analytical and testing methods to support ingredient characterization and functional performance.
• Design and validate finished product specifications related to nutritional and bioactive properties.
• Partner with external laboratories and contract research organizations to conduct analytical testing and ensure data quality.
• Drive new ingredient development projects, including feasibility assessments, process optimization, and product qualification.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure projects meet technical, regulatory, and commercial readiness milestones.
• Provide scientific input and data to support patent filings and intellectual property development.
• Support investigations related to food safety, quality, and testing accuracy in partnership with internal QA/FSQA teams.
• Contribute scientific insights and innovative concepts that expand the R&D and innovation pipeline.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (M.Sc.) or higher in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Food Science, or a related scientific field.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D, product development, or analytical science within the functional ingredients, dietary supplement, or food industry.
• Experience with analytical methods such as mass spectrometry, chromatography, DNA sequencing, or immunoassays is strongly preferred.
• Proven experience collaborating with external laboratories or CROs.
• Strong technical writing, data interpretation, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and motivated by scientific discovery and product excellence.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of functional ingredient innovation—combining science, sustainability, and wellness to shape the next generation of food and nutrition solutions. If you are an experienced R&D scientist seeking to make a meaningful impact in a rapidly growing segment of the health and wellness industry, we’d love to connect with you.

Compensation: $120,000 – $140,000plus benefits

If this sounds like the position you have been waiting for, please apply using the online application or the link below - all inquiries are strictly confidential. Our focus is to assist you to make your best next career move, and we will not use your information for any other purpose.

Kalon Search is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

www.KalonSearch.com