Chief Scientific Officer

Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) / Head of R&D and Product Development 2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants We are an innovative nutraceutical startup dedicated to creating groundbreaking, high-quality products that harness the finest natural ingredients for wellness and health benefits. Our focus is on synergistic formulations—such as functional powders blending fruits, plants, vitamins, and bioactives—to deliver “glow from within” results. We prioritize sustainability, evidence-based innovation, and global expansion, aiming to disrupt the $500B+ nutraceutical market with products that promote anti‑aging, immune support, and overall vitality. As the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) or Head of R&D and Product Development, you will be the scientific visionary driving our product innovation pipeline. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead a cross‑functional team to develop cutting‑edge nutraceutical formulations, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect our intellectual property. This role is pivotal in transforming raw, premium ingredients into market‑leading products that emphasize synergy, efficacy, and sustainability. Ideal for a strategic leader with a passion for natural health solutions, this position offers the opportunity to shape our R&D strategy from the ground up in a fast‑paced startup environment. Key Responsibilities Product Formulation and Innovation: Oversee the formulation of groundbreaking products, ensuring optimal synergy in ingredients (e.g., combining red grape, pomegranate, and astaxanthin for enhanced antioxidant and beauty benefits). Develop and refine high‑functional foods, supplements, and wellness powders that align with our commitment to natural cures and superior quality. Innovation Pipeline Management: Build and manage the R&D pipeline, from ideation to prototyping, incorporating emerging trends like microbiome support, telomere health, and mitochondrial optimization. Identify opportunities for novel ingredient combinations and sustainable sourcing to create differentiated, evidence‑based products. Clinical Trials and Efficacy Testing: Design, execute, and oversee clinical trials to validate product claims, focusing on safety, bioavailability, and real‑world efficacy. Collaborate with external partners (e.g., CROs) to generate robust data for regulatory submissions and marketing substantiation. Intellectual Property (IP) Protection: Lead IP strategy, including patent filings, trade secret management, and competitive analysis to safeguard our formulations and processes for natural, high‑functional nutraceuticals. Team Leadership and Collaboration: Recruit, mentor, and lead a high‑performing R&D team, fostering a culture of innovation and scientific excellence. Partner with operations, marketing, and regulatory teams to ensure seamless product development and market readiness. Sustainability and Quality Assurance: Champion sustainable sourcing practices for premium ingredients (e.g., organic, non‑GMO fruits and plants), integrating ESG principles into R&D. Establish rigorous quality control protocols to maintain the highest standards in purity, stability, and performance. Strategic Planning and Budgeting: Contribute to company strategy by advising on scientific trends, competitive landscapes, and investment priorities. Manage R&D budgets, grants, and partnerships to drive efficient innovation. Regulatory and Compliance Guidance: Ensure all products comply with global standards (e.g., FDA DSHEA, EU Novel Foods, Thai FDA), providing scientific input for labeling, claims, and risk assessments. Qualifications and Requirements Education: PhD in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Food Science, or a related field. Advanced certifications in herbal medicine, pharmacology, or sustainable agriculture are a plus. Experience: 5–10 years in nutraceutical or functional food R&D, with a proven track record in product development from concept to commercialization. Experience in startup or high‑growth environments preferred. Technical Expertise: Demonstrated success in sustainable ingredient sourcing, efficacy testing (e.g., in vitro/in vivo studies), and synergistic formulation design. Familiarity with advanced techniques like supercritical extraction, fermentation, or liposomal delivery systems. Leadership Skills: Strong ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, with excellent communication and project management skills. Experience in IP management and clinical trial oversight is essential. Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of nutraceutical trends, including beauty‑from‑within, anti‑aging, and wellness categories. Knowledge of global markets (e.g., Europe, Thailand) and regulatory landscapes. Personal Attributes: Innovative thinker with a passion for natural health solutions. Results‑oriented, adaptable, and committed to ethical, science‑driven practices. Preferred Skills Experience with AI‑driven R&D tools for formulation optimization or predictive modeling. Track record of securing grants, publications, or patents in nutraceuticals. Bilingual capabilities (e.g., English plus Thai or European languages) for international collaboration. Familiarity with business development aspects, such as partnering with suppliers or contract manufacturers. Seniority level: Executive Employment type: Full‑time Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology #J-18808-Ljbffr