About You

We are seeking an experienced dietary supplement formulator to join the Nutrafol Formulation team. You will serve as a primary formulator for Nutrafol supplements, evaluating the functional ingredient landscape to identify novel ingredients with strong science, potency, bioavailability, and regulatory clearance. You will evaluate internal and third party scientific research as it pertains to human physiology, nutrition science, and mechanisms of action that connect the ingredients to the structure and function of the hair and/or skin. You will be accountable for staying up-to-date on functional ingredient innovation (internal and external) and competitor advancements, translating those insights into differentiated formula profiles, along with ensuring ingredient-level benefits can be substantiated. A successful candidate will be able to bridge their strong science background into actionable recommendations for product development, along with sharing complex scientific material to both technical and non-technical audiences. 

This is an individual contributor role that reports to the Director of Formulation and will interface across multiple departments at Nutrafol, within Unilever, and with external physicians with the goal of advancing Nutrafol’s scientific expertise and thought leadership in the hair wellness space.

Responsibilities:

Supplement Formulation:

• Conduct thorough evaluations of new ingredients and technologies for potential use in products
• Propose ingredients or technologies and dosages that can deliver against the intended consumer end-benefit
• Work closely with raw material vendors to identify emerging ingredient technologies and whitespaces for innovation
• Translate internal innovation findings into unique and differentiated formulations
• Match root cause and mechanism of action understanding with novel innovative functional dietary supplement ingredients
• Work with suppliers and Supply Chain to develop exclusive ingredients and ingredient technologies depending on project and product needs

Supply Claim Substantiation:

• Synthesize scientific research and translate into substantiated claims/benefits for dietary supplements
• Develop and lead the strategy for substantiating ingredient level and mechanism of action and root cause claims across the portfolio, ensuring alignment with regulatory, scientific, and marketing requirements
• Document root cause and ingredient claims substantiation into appropriate dossiers and science presentations
• Partner with the internal Innovation, Clinical/Medical, Product Development, and Regulatory teams on understanding the ingredient level data and additional bridging data needed for launch claims
• Collaborate with Product Development and internal teams to translate complex science into accurate, consumer-facing claims
• Partner closely with Product Development, Regulatory Affairs, Quality, Clinical/Medical, Marketing, and External Partners to ensure claims are credible, compliant, and differentiating
• Serve as a subject matter expert to advise cross-functional teams on claim feasibility, positioning, and evidence requirements

Scientific Rationale and Understanding:

• Collaborate with the innovation team and medical advisors to identify biological mechanisms of action and root causes based on scientific literature
• Stay current on consumer health and wellness trends and translate them into actionable insights for R&D
• Maintain a strong understanding of the competitive landscape from a formulation, ingredient, format, and claims perspective
• In partnership with Clinical and Medical, Product Education, and Brand Marketing, provide guidance and scientific substantiation for ingredient, mechanism of action and root cause narratives for the consumer

Cross-Functional and Operational Excellence:

• Communication of data, including preparation of presentations to all levels of the organization
• Work with patent attorneys to provide scientific content in drafting new patents for novel supplement formulations and technologies
• Effectively partner with cross-functional peers in Product Development, Innovation, Clinical and Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance, and Supply Chain departments
• High level of organization and responsiveness for record keeping/data management for reports, NDAs/CDAs, supplier/external materials and internal presentations/data
• Oversee multiple concurrent projects, ensuring all meet deadlines
• Propose new ways of working and new processes to enhance formulation development efficiency

Requirements:

• Bachelors or Advanced degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Nutrition Science, Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, or related scientific discipline with established experience
• 5-10 years of experience in dietary supplement industry
• Proven track record in developing formulations for successful product launches
• Supplement product claim substantiation experience required
• Substantial network in the functional ingredient supplier industry, with broad and deep knowledge of suppliers and their catalogs and capabilities
• Skin, hair and scalp biology knowledge is a plus
• Familiarity with functional and active ingredients for hair growth, scalp health, hair strand health and performance, and skin/scalp health is preferred
• Working knowledge of the current and evolving U.S. dietary supplement regulatory landscape; knowledge of international regulatory requirements a plus
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to complete tasks on time with a high degree of accuracy
• Show initiative and ability to work as part of a high-level team while working independently
• Proven ability to learn new skills quickly and adapt to new processes smoothly
• Thinks outside the box and suggests calculated risks to advance novel differentiated products
• Occasional travel as needed for conferences and meetings