Research Scientist - Gut Health & Clinical ResearchThe RoleThe Research Scientist is responsible for building the scientific foundation that differentiates our gut health portfolio through innovative research and evidence-based product development. This role designs, manages, and executes preclinical and clinical research to generate robust scientific substantiation, support regulatory-compliant structure/function claims, and advance a pipeline of science-based initiatives.
Working closely with Product Development, Regulatory, Marketing, Product Education, and Quality, this scientist translates complex microbiome science into compelling, consumer-relevant product benefits that are easily understood.
Key Performance Objectives- Lead and complete 1-3 priority preclinical studies supporting upcoming product launches and patent opportunities.
- Strengthen scientific substantiation by developing differentiated, regulatory-compliant structure/function claims.
- Advance innovation by identifying and evaluating emerging gut health ingredients, technologies, and research opportunities.
- Partner with Marketing and Product Education to translate science into compelling product stories and field education.
- Support innovation and renovation initiatives that strengthen the company's long-term gut health portfolio.
Performance AccountabilitiesScientific Research & Innovation- Design, manage, and execute preclinical and clinical research programs in partnership with internal teams and Contract Research Organizations (CROs).
- Critically evaluate emerging science, patents, and competitive technologies to identify innovation opportunities.
- Develop research strategies that support a 3-5 year gut health innovation pipeline.
Scientific Substantiation- Develop defensible scientific substantiation for structure/function claims through literature evaluation, research findings, and clinical evidence.
- Author scientific dossiers, white papers, technical summaries, and ingredient substantiation documents.
- Translate microbiome science into differentiated product positioning across digestive health, immune health, metabolic health, and the gut-brain axis.
Cross-Functional Leadership- Collaborate with Regulatory, Marketing, Product Development, Product Education, Quality, and Legal to ensure scientific accuracy and compliance.
- Develop educational content and scientific training that equips internal teams and the field with evidence-based product knowledge.
- Provide scientific leadership throughout product development and commercialization.
External Scientific Engagement- Build relationships with CROs, academic researchers, Scientific Advisory Boards, and industry partners.
- Attend scientific conferences and evaluate emerging research, ingredient technologies, and partnership opportunities.
- Support Quality with scientific evaluation of Serious Adverse Event reports when needed.
Performance QualificationsRequired- PhD in Microbiology, Nutrition Science, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant industry experience or postdoctoral research.
- Experience designing, managing, analyzing, and interpreting preclinical and clinical research.
- Strong scientific writing, literature evaluation, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities while collaborating across cross-functional teams.
Preferred- Four or more years of relevant industry experience.
- Expertise in probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics, fermentation-derived ingredients, or microbiome science.
- Experience in weight management and/or cardiometabolic health.
- Peer-reviewed publications and experience supporting product claim substantiation.
