R&D Technical Services Scientist

Since 1980, NAI has been a leader in nutritional health, bringing whole food-based supplements to a global population. NAI is a leading expert and manufacturer of dietary supplements. We are involved in every facet of the industry, including research, development, manufacturing and marketing and advocacy. As a company, we continue to grow with manufacturing locations in Vista and Carlsbad, CA. We are looking for seasoned and entry level candidates that are interested in working for a great company with opportunities to grow, competitive pay and benefits.BenefitsFree medical (one plan) and other medical plan optionsDental, vision, life insurance and other voluntary benefit options.$1,000 Employee Referral Bonus3 weeks' vacation and 11 paid holidays401K including company matching and profit sharingOpportunities for advancementComprehensive trainingTuition Reimbursement and more!SummaryResponsible for creation and/or acquisition, tracking and maintenance of R&D technical documents related to formulations, raw materials, and other department projects. This position communicates directly with internal and external partners related to formula, raw material and other technical document and project-related tasks. Responsible for ongoing maintenance of R&D document files and preparation, review and routing of regulatory-related and technical documentation in support of product development process. Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesAssist with/Prepare, review, update, track and maintain records of all technical documents and relevant development projects (in collaboration with R&D formulation team and/or NAI cross-functional team members), including but not limited to:Formula Genesis reports Raw material specifications Product stability justifications Pilot batch records Raw material testing requests Stability sample testing requests Raw material testing results Material transfer requests for pilot and prototype materials Document change requests for raw materials PO requisitions for raw materials Technical reports from stability data Raw material document, spec, sample and testing tracking sheetsLabel copiesProduct specificationsMaster batch recordsEnsure formula/raw material related documentation is routed to appropriate cross- functional team members in correspondence with NAI processesOrganize and maintain raw material and product certifications for NAI customersRequest, evaluate, update and maintain required certification documents for raw materials and/or formulasOrganize certification files for periodic audit by external certifying bodiesLiaise with external certifying body representatives for review of NAI certification documentationSupport, organize and track qualification of new, existing and replacement raw materials and alternate suppliers as assigned Request, receive, review and evaluate, track, and maintain raw material documentation for NAI customer formulas and R&D projectsLiaise with raw material supplier representatives for raw material documentation and/or informationOrganize and track requests/receipt of raw material documents for R&D benchtops, pilot and production.Review raw material documentation for accuracy and R&D requirementsCollaborate with R&D formulation team on raw material document updates or identified issues Maintain raw material documentation files for updatesResponsible for sending and receiving compliance documents to/from raw material suppliersAssist in preparation of regulatory and technical documentsResponsible for request, receipt, and tracking of raw material sample requests for R&D benchtop and pilot trialsEnsure R&D pilot lab has required materials and quantities for benchtop and pilot trialsRequest, organize and track raw material samples and in-house materials for benchtop and pilot trials (collaborating with R&D Formulation Team)Submit raw material samples for testing/evaluation and track status and resultsTrack out of spec raw material testing results and resolutionCollaborate with R&D formulation team and/or raw material supplier representatives on out of spec testing resultsLabel and track raw material samples for clinical trialsBuild strategic relationships and maintain effective and professional communication with raw material suppliers in collaboration with NAI Purchasing teamSupport Purchasing team in sourcing raw materials and obtaining necessary documentation to support evaluation of raw materialsProvide on-going internal and external technical support to ensure benchtop, pilot and production needs are met and customer requests are satisfied.Responsible for NAI conducted stability programs for NAI customersCreate and review/collaborate with others on R&D Technical Services team for customer stability protocols Implement and track activities related to NAI stability protocolsMonitor product samples and submit for lab analysisGather, evaluate and summarize stability test resultsCollaborate with R&D formulation team in review of stability dataTrack stability program calendar, data, issues and resolutionMaintain R&D stability chambersCollect, track and maintain customer stability data not conducted at NAIOther Duties Maintain awareness of current developments within the functional disciplineDevelop a network of raw material and technical support contacts within the industryCollaborate with and support entire R&D department and cross-functional NAI teamsTake leading role for projects as assigned.Perform other related duties as assigned QualificationsRequires a four year college or university degree or its equivalent in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldRequires a minimum of two years industry or similar industry R&D or Quality experience, ideally with an additional two years of related experience. Some knowledge of industry regulations - US or international a plus.Possess knowledge and practical experience with nutraceutical or food or pharmaceutical ingredients and documentation, reviewing and summarizing analytical data, and a firm foundation in chemistry, mathematics, pharmaceutics and/or food scienceProficient in oral and written communication skills as well as effective organizational skills and the ability to make presentations and recommendations in the area of responsibilityMust be able to communicate effectively and professionally in a cross functional team environment and with external customersMust have computer literacy, including word processing and spreadsheet softwareMust have sound judgment and decision-making skills Supervisory ResponsibilitiesNo direct supervisor responsibilitiesPhysical DemandsManufacturing and general office environmentExposure to disagreeable elements is negligibleFrequent work in pilot plant and production facilitiesTraining The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or othersWork EnvironmentPrimarily in a general office environmentA portion of the work may take place in the encapsulation, powder and/or tableting areas of the manufacturing facility, where one will be exposed to computerized equipment, moving mechanical parts, forklifts, heavy pallets, moderate to loud noise level, and air-borne dust and powdersWhile working in the manufacturing area, one will be required to wear various personal protective equipment (e.g., clothing, hair net, face mask, gloves, goggles, etc.)NAI is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. Following a conditional offer of employment, satisfactory completion of a background check (including criminal records check) is required prior to beginning employment. Any offer of employment may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current NAI employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Created: 2025-01-07