Scientist, R&D Technical Operations at Herbalife in Torrance, California

Job Description:

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Scientist, R&D Technical Operations, will execute the technical activities associated with the development and maintenance of Herbalife’s global nutritional supplement product lines. Works with a high level of self-direction and autonomy. The position accountabilities include identifying, documenting and validating the appropriate ingredients, formulations and unit processes that meet product standards and requirements, including product costs, quality, safety and uniformity. Display attitude reflective of high performer; positive, proactive, productive, focused, and informed.

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES: 

• Develop innovation/renovation formulas from ideation to commercialization while interfacing with R&D, Marketing, Sourcing, Quality, Licensing, and other Herbalife corporate and regional personnel in a collaborative manner.


• Follow projects from prototype development through manufacturing, ensuring all formulas meet target cost and comply with brand policy, regulatory, and quality requirements.


• Determine stability of formulations and ensure commercial feasibility. Prepare and execute Stability studies to confirm product stability of ingredients.


• Troubleshoot testing failures.


• Hands-on formulation design, development, and optimization with guidance as appropriate.


• Review all ingredients sourced for basic safety and technical specifications, C of As, and SDS.


• Document all formulation work, ingredient specifications, and process learning in laboratory notebooks using GLP, and utilize Agile for product documentation and approval.


• Develop and execute work procedures and standards to ensure formulations and processes are robust and translatable into full-scale manufacturing.


• Act as a key technical project contributor/lead, using data-based decisions from identification through commercialization.


• Track project activities and metrics with R&D and Operations Project Managers.


• Interact with Operations personnel to identify and verify new or alternate vendors that meet the technical and cost requirements for Herbalife products.


• Gather information for transfer to Herbalife plants or vendor partners before product commercialization, documenting product and process requirements.


• Collaborate with cross-function teams (i.e. Sourcing) to identify alternate raw material sources for cost savings opportunities.


• Assist in evaluating alternative raw material suppliers.


• Prepare and submit samples to the testing lab (HIM, HP1, and contract).


• Interacts with testing labs (HIM, HP1, and contract) to analyze and evaluate data test results.


• Complete Technical Operations tasks in the Agile PPM system.


• Record all experiments and results in laboratory notebook and/or batch records accurately and in a timely manner.


• Assist in completion of material reviews and CAPAs.


• Comply with GLP and GMP Regulations.


• Perform other duties as needed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Skills:

• Ability to multi-task and problem solve, while maintaining a clear sense of priorities and focus


• Understand basic global regulatory requirements, including EU, CAN, APAC/CH, MX, SAM/CAM


• Good working knowledge of performance testing, scale up to production, manufacturing limitations, preservation system development, stability testing, raw ingredient evaluation, and packaging compatibility


• Must have strong problem solving, interpersonal, teamwork, project management and communication skills (oral & written)


• Solid communication skills, both written and verbal


• Ability to predict and solve problems in a practical, timely and collaborative manner


• Ability to generate and analyze data to drive correct decision making


• Ability to navigate a fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholder requirements


• General knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs)


• Demonstrates flexibility in taking and managing multiple assignments

Experience:

• 2+ years’ experience developing food and/or beverage


• Business process orientation including adherence to New Product Process, testing protocols and appropriate Product Lifecycle Management (e.g. Agile) and laboratory notebook documentation


• Competent use of MS Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint

Education:

• BS degree with a major in a relevant scientific discipline