Research and development manager

Location: Clearwater, FL (On-site / Plant & Lab-based)

Job Type: Full-Time

Position Summary We are seeking an innovative R&D Manager to lead the research, formulation, and commercialization of novel herbal ingredients optimized for liquid nutraceuticals and functional beverages. This role bridges the gap between plant science and commercial production, driving projects from the lab bench to the manufacturing floor.

Key Responsibilities

• Liquid Formulation: Develop novel herbal ingredients for liquid formats (syrups, shots, RTD beverages, drops, and emulsions).
• Extraction & Optimization: Design and optimize extraction processes (aqueous, hydro-alcoholic, enzymatic, and green technologies) to maximize clarity, stability, and taste profiles.
• Solubility & Stability: Solve complex liquid challenges including sedimentation, pH/temperature stressors, taste-masking, and shelf-life preservation.
• Standardization & Testing: Ensure batch-to-batch consistency using advanced analytical instruments (HPLC, LC-MS, GC, FTIR).
• Scale-Up & Tech Transfer: Collaborate with engineering and production teams to seamlessly transfer laboratory formulations to commercial-scale manufacturing.
• Regulatory Compliance: Author technical dossiers for global regulations (FDA, EFSA) and support GRAS/NDI documentation.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education: Master's or PhD in Pharmacognosy, Herbal Science, Chemistry, Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Experience: 8-12 years in herbal ingredient R&D, nutraceutical development, or functional food/beverage innovation.
• Technical Expertise: Proven track record in liquid delivery systems, extraction scale-up, phytochemistry, and hands-on analytical laboratory equipment.
• Leadership: Track record of mentoring scientific teams, managing intellectual property (IP), and collaborating cross-functionally.

salary: $115,000 - $120,000 per year
shift: First
work hours: 7 AM - 4 PM
education: Masters

Responsibilities

• End-to-End Liquid Development: Lead the formulation and development of novel herbal ingredients specifically optimized for liquid delivery systems (syrups, shots, tonics, and RTD beverages).
• Extraction Process Optimization: Design, optimize, and scale up various extraction methods (aqueous, hydro-alcoholic, enzymatic, and green technologies) to deliver high-performance liquid formats.
• Solubility & Stability Testing: Conduct rigorous compatibility and shelf-life studies to solve liquid stressors, ensuring ingredient stability regarding pH, temperature, light, and preservatives.
• Standardization & Quality Control: Establish batch-to-batch consistency of active markers and phytochemistry profiles using advanced lab instrumentation (HPLC, LC-MS, GC).
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance: Author technical dossiers, safety data, and compliance documentation to meet global standards and support GRAS/NDI assessments.
• Commercial Scale-Up & Tech Transfer: Collaborate closely with engineering and manufacturing teams to successfully transition formulations from the lab bench to commercial-scale production floor layouts.

The essential functions of this role include:

• working in a smoke free environment

Skills

• Bioavailability (4 years of experience is required)
• Analytical (or HPLC / LC-MS) (4 years of experience is required)
• Pharmacognosy (4 years of experience is required)
• Phytochemistry (4 years of experience is required)
• Botanicals (4 years of experience is required)

Qualifications

• Years of experience: 8 years
• Experience level: Manager

Randstad is a world leader in matching great people with great companies. Our experienced agents will listen carefully to your employment needs and then work diligently to match your skills and qualifications to the right job and company. Whether you're looking for temporary, temporary-to-permanent or permanent opportunities, no one works harder for you than Randstad.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Randstad, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Randstad offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.