Scientist - Biotech jobs in Kannapolis, NC

We believe being healthy should not require tradeoffs. SCN BestCo is a leading innovator, developer and manufacturer of Vitamin, Mineral & Supplement (VMS), Over-the-Counter (OTC) and prebiotics/probiotics in enjoyable forms such as gummies, lozenges and chews. With over 50 years of excellence, our team leads the way in changing how consumers make healthier choices.  With unique food science expertise and proprietary processes, we’ve pioneered many firsts.  Our passion to create new to the world products has guided and continues to be core to our mission of making health and wellness more enjoyable. Come join us and become a part of our winning formula!  

The Sr. OTC Innovation Scientist is a leader in designing novel confectionary based Over the Counter (OTC) drug and supplement products. The candidate’s inquisitive nature paired with scientific methodology enables the development of robust line-ready formulations. 

• Seeks new ingredients and technologies in pursuit of developing unique product offerings in confectionary OTC and supplement markets.
• Translates the consumer’s needs into delightful, finished products that use the most appropriate technologies/chemicals/materials.
• Prepare product samples, test and analyze physical and sensory attributes, to include texture, moisture, pH, and color analysis etc. to develop a comprehensive data package.
• Execute Design of Experiments (DOEs) to assess critical attributes of ingredients, products and processes and capture, analyze, and report data with sound technical recommendations on product and/or processes.
• Develop strategic partnerships with external industry leaders and internal stakeholders to generate new and innovative opportunities.

• Engages with cross functional teams (including quality, procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing) to resolve issues that may arise in the course of new product development or existing product improvement.
• Ensures the Development Laboratory is operational – equipment is in working order, places work orders as required, maintains and orders supplies, keeps basic bulk ingredients on hand and orders as required, works with developers to keep the lab area clean confirms that samples and ingredients are properly stored, coordinates large laboratory projects with the development team.

• Participates in continuing education as required to expand one’s technical base by learning methods to improve formulation quality; such as flavor, color, texture, nutritional value, convenience, or physical, chemical, and microbiological composition of foods
• Engages with suppliers to stay current on market trends and ingredient solutions.
• Supports knowledge capture and organizational knowledge growth via effective data summaries, reports, and presentations.
• Mentor peers and junior scientists on best practices and product knowledge

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization and be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a Pharmaceutical Science, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry or related scientific discipline or
• A High School diploma or GED and a minimum of 15 years of experience in a product development role in the OTC/Dietary Supplement industry.
• Experience in applying statistical analysis, mathematical modeling, machine learning, data mining, and related techniques to drive solutions.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSAs):

• Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas.
• Ability to design experiments, collect/interpret complex data, draw valid conclusions and drive action plans.
• Ability to leverage scientific trends, engage with suppliers, capture insights to identify future and maximize current business opportunities e.g. by driving efficiency/ cost savings.
• Demonstrates original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work; Develops innovative approaches and ideas; Presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with internal staff and management. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

• Displays a customer centric approach engaging with internal and external customers in collaboration to understand business needs and drive projects forward.
• Helps determine best practices and consolidates product knowledge, ensures this is applied across the organization, mentoring peers and junior scientists.
• Working knowledge of cGMP and Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and Project Management processes and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of confectionary manufacturing and ingredients
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and / or with Database software, Project management software and ERP software

• Displays a customer centric approach engaging with internal and external customers in collaboration to understand business needs and drive projects forward.

• Ability to prioritize tasks, utilize time efficiently, and multi-task in an ever changing, fast-paced environment.

• Strong business acumen: ability to leverage scientific trends to identify future business opportunities.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree (M. S.) in food science, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or related field
• 6 yrs in formulation or product development of OTC or Dietary Supplement or food products.
• Experience developing and commercializing oral drug products under US monograph or NDA regulations.
• Experience with regulatory bodies including FDA and NSF
• Proven formulation and product scale-up experience in a cGMP environment

Statistical software experience (Minitab, Statgraphics, etc.) with the ability to interpret data and drive action