Research Associate I

Summary of Job Duties: 

Perform thorough research and analysis of scientific literature for active dietary ingredients and nutritional supplement products to support new product development, maintenance of existing product literature and collateral, and compliance of FDA regulations and guidance. Prepare written research summaries and collaboratively develop marketing, sales and educational collateral. Contribute well-written documentation for product substantiations, which includes, reviewing and justifying structure function claims. Support the development of raw material and product specifications, with a particular emphasis on literature research of active constituents in complex botanical ingredients. Will collaborate intra- and inter-departmentally, in addition to working with out of house resources, to achieve company goals.

Specific Job Duties:

1. Support product formulation research
2. Work cross-functionally to support product development & innovation
   1. Product substantiation
   2. Structure-function claims
   3. Dosage rationale & suggested use instructions
   4. Educational literature
   5. Marketing and Sales promotional collateral
3. Collaborate with ingredient suppliers
   1. Directly communicate with potential suppliers
   2. Investigate innovative new materials and formulas
4. Provide ongoing research support for QA and QC compliance projects
   1. Marker compound identification and rationale for botanical ingredients
   2. Develop raw material specifications with ranges based on available data and safety research.
5. Perform all other tasks as assigned by Threshold management.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

1. M.S. in nutrition, food science, biological sciences or related field, or B.S./B.A. with at least 3 years work experience.
2. Strong understanding of human physiology and biological processes, especially in relation to essential nutritional ingredients.
3. Experience working with botanicals or natural products.
4. Experience conducting literature searches and analyzing and summarizing scientific research articles.
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
6. Basic understanding of common analytical chemistry methods and experience reviewing data from such methods.
7. Well-versed in Microsoft Office

Skills and/or Training Desired:

1. Three years of experience in FDA regulated industry.
2. M.S., work experience, or academic coursework in food science, nutritional science, or physiology
3. Interest and experience in nutrition, natural products, dietary supplements, and/or herbal medicine