Lead Scientist

Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a visionary scientific leader to join our research and development team as a lead scientist. In this role, you will provide strategic and technical direction for multiple R&D programs, driving innovation in formulations, processes, and ingredient technologies. You will also set technical strategy, guide complex development initiatives, and uphold scientific rigor from first concept to commercial launch. Our ideal candidate is someone who inspires collaboration across teams, enjoys developing other scientists, and is energized by turning emerging science into products people love.
What You Will Do as a USANA Lead Scientist
Lead multiple R&D programs from concept through commercialization, keeping them aligned with company goals, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
Set technical strategy for advanced formulations, process optimization, and ingredient innovation to improve product performance and scalability
Direct research into new ingredients, processes, and technologies, assessing feasibility and bringing the best ideas into the development pipeline
Author and approve high-level technical documentation, including reports, risk assessments, and scientific justifications, with a focus on data integrity
Provide expert guidance on critical technical challenges and drive innovative solutions
Mentor and develop scientists and analysts, promoting knowledge sharing and technical excellence
Partner with cross-functional leadership to influence strategic decisions, support technology transfer, and ensure readiness for commercialization
Spot emerging trends and implement improvements that strengthen R&D efficiency and competitive advantage
Background and Skills You Will Need
Master’s degree in nutrition science, food science, pharmaceutical science, chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, or a related life science or engineering field, with 10+ of R&D experience OR Doctoral degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, DO, DNP, or equivalent) in one of the fields above or a related health science field, with three or more years of R&D experience
Demonstrated leadership in managing complex scientific projects
What Will Make You Standout
Experience in formulation, process, or ingredient development
Experience taking products from concept through commercialization
This is a hybrid role with regular weekly in-office time in Salt Lake City.
Who We Are
Since 1992, USANA has put science first with our focus on in-house research and manufacturing based in Salt Lake City, Utah to drive the creation of supplements that give your body the exact nutrition it needs to thrive. It’s why millions across the globe choose USANA as the nutritional provider for themselves and their loved ones. Today we are a billion-dollar company, thanks in part to more than 1,700 employees based around the world.
Our Culture
Excellence, Health, Integrity, and Community are core to our business. It is our commitment to always strive to be open-minded listeners, hold ourselves and others accountable, be respectful, and celebrate the strength that comes from collaboration. Through initiatives like our Inclusion and Belonging Council, we create a company culture where all members of the USANA family feel cared for, included, and valued.
USANA has repeatedly been named one of Utah’s Best Companies to Work For by Utah Business magazine, one of America’s Best Companies to Work For by Outside Magazine, one of the Best Places to Work for in the Direct Selling Industry by Direct Selling News,