R&D Scientist

*Viva Manufacturing LLC will not be accepting candidates from 3rd party recruitment agencies at this time. Thank you for your understanding.* Company Description VIVA Manufacturing is a full-service partner specializing in the development, formulation, and production of premium nutraceutical, functional food, and health & wellness products. With over 260,000 sq. ft. of vertically integrated manufacturing and packaging space, we offer end-to-end solutions such as powder blending, capsule and tablet production, liquid manufacturing, and large-scale fulfillment. Holding top-tier certifications including NSF, NSF for Sport, and Organic, VIVA is committed to quality and regulatory compliance. Our innovations have driven over $2 billion in revenue for our customers across retail, Amazon, D2C, and global channels. By combining advanced R&D, high-capacity production, and premium packaging, VIVA ensures speed-to-market, enhanced supply chain control, and exceptional product outcomes. Role Description The main responsibility of this position will be to lead benchtop formulation development and scale-up of solid dose products, with emphasis on tablet manufacturing. This role bridges laboratory development and commercial production, defining and troubleshooting the process parameters required to transfer a formula from bench to full-scale manufacturing. Position Responsibility Support Formulation Development on R&D projects from conception to commercialization Perform benchtop product development for solid dose forms, including tablets, capsules, and Develop, execute, and document scale-up procedures from bench to pilot to commercial batch size, defining critical process parameters and acceptance ranges at each stage Establish and optimize tablet manufacturing processes, including blending, granulation (wet, dry, and direct compression), compression, and coating Troubleshoot tablet defects and process failures, including capping, lamination, sticking, picking, weight variation, hardness and friability deviations, and content uniformity issues Evaluate and recommend tooling, tablet geometry, and compression parameters to support manufacturability at commercial speed Conduct powder characterization to support formulation and process decisions, including bulk and tapped density, flow, particle size, compressibility, and moisture Partner with Production and Engineering during first commercial runs to confirm process transfer, capture deviations, and refine process parameters Conduct hands-on laboratory work beyond basic support, including fit tests, pilot batches, and Perform product reformulations and cost-optimization formulation work, including hands-on formula development, adjustments, and implementation of formula changes as required Conduct Active/Excipient compatibility studies on new formulations to assist the formulation group in streamlining the formulation Conduct Disintegration testing (Single point and Profile study) on Tablets, Capsules and Suspensions Documentation and review of Analytical R&D Data Executes experimental studies intended to provide supporting data or to resolve technical issues encountered during each project. Defines technical objectives and conveys them to other members of the team Resolves technical issues, makes recommendations for options that would resolve issues, including a preferred option Complete technical activities, development reports and regulatory support documentation Assist in the development of Master Manufacturing Records (MMRs) and Bills of Materials (BOMs) by supplying process parameters, equipment settings, and in-process control limits Support maintenance of internal systems with new and revised formulas, including raw material and packaging identifiers Review Supplemental Facts and Nutrition Facts Panels Review health and wellness claims on labels for compliance Review formula and conduct research to determine appropriate warnings for labeled products Education requirement: Bachelor's of Science Degree Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of solid dose product development experience required, with the majority in tablet manufacturing. Hands‑on experience with tablet presses, blenders, granulators, and coating equipment, including setup, parameter adjustment, and troubleshooting, in a cGMP environment. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong attention to detail Must acquire knowledge of cGMP, FDA regulations, SOP, and Batch Records Ability to operate basic computer software, e.g. Word, Outlook, Power Point and Excel Work flexible hours as required by Management Work independently as well as in team environments, in a fast‑paced environment Must have good interpersonal and communication skills in English, understand both oral and written instructions and be detail oriented Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. Must be punctual and have good attendance #J-18808-Ljbffr