Sr. Research Scientist, Scientific Affairs

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The senior research scientist of NAM/MX scientific affairs will establish product efficacy and safety for Herbalife Nutrition products and will provide strategic support for Herbalife Nutrition product development efforts in NAM and MX. The senior research scientist will collaborate closely with the product science team to execute the nutritional science input activities to support innovation and product development, by identifying, reviewing, and making recommendations for new or alternate ingredients for Herbalife Nutrition products in NAM and MX. The position’s accountabilities include reviewing scientific literature for claim substantiation based on the totality of evidence, supporting Herbalife external engagement activities through active participation in different scientific societies and organizations, and supporting personalized nutrition (PN) initiatives such as PN researches and PN product and application developments.

 

DETAILED RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:  

•    Performs literature search using scientific databases, analyzes the evidence, provides solution-oriented recommendations in written reports to support scientific substantiation of product safety and efficacy claims under minimum guidance.
•    Develops product efficacy and safety documentation according to local regulatory requirements with the focus on scientific substantiation for NAM market.
•    As part of product development process, evaluates raw materials and formulas documentation in the Product Lifecycle Management System (Agile) with proper training.
•    Supports NAM and MX product innovation through scientific evaluation of new product concepts, technologies and ingredients, and provides science-based recommendations on ingredients and concepts.
•    Provides scientific support on research projects (basic or clinical), identifies and recommends research opportunities, external KOLs and research organizations. Coordinates the collaboration with internal and external partners as needed.
•    Develops scientific content to support marketing initiatives, and reviews marketing collaterals for claim substantiation with minimum supervisory guidance.
•    Stays abreast of scientific development and regulatory landscape pertaining to health claims and safety in NAM and MX, and shares information with relevant stakeholders and identifies opportunities.
•    Communicates and presents the science behind products to cross-functional stakeholders (R&D, Marketing, GRA, GA, Sourcing, Corp. Comm. at regional and corporate levels) to support business.
•    Identifies and pursues external Key Opinion Leaders for research collaboration opportunities and supports HLF’s strategic external engagement with scientific and nutrition professional’s community and attends relevant trade association activities as dictated by business needs. 
•    Cross-train with other SA scientists on their respective scientific skills and expertise.
•    Occasional business travels, attends scientific conferences, industry trade events, etc.
•    Communicates critical issues to direct manager and other relevant parties in a timely manner, with recommended solutions.
•    Reports project status to manager on a regular basis through meetings, emails, and/or reports.
•    Supports other SA staff during on boarding, mentors/supports other Scientific Affairs staff as needed.
•    Follows Company policies, processes and procedures, and performs all duties in an honest, ethical and professional manner.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Ability to predict, frame and solve scientific problems in a practical, timely and collaborative manner with minimum guidance. 
•    Ability to generate and interpret scientific data with limited to no technical guidance to inform correct decision making.
•    Ability to identify adequate sources of scientific information, to compile, assess and summarize evidence with limited to no guidance.
•    Ability to understand marketing and scientific trends, to lead the effort of exploring and validating scientific substantiation of ingredients/formulations and recommend new product concepts / improvements for existing products as needed.
•    Ability to identify research partners, provide scientific support and drive research projects with limited guidance.
•    Ability to quickly acquire and apply new areas of scientific knowledge.  
•    Oral and written communication skills in clear, concise English and local/regional language/s.
•    Attention to detail and autonomous focus
•    Solid analytical and organizational skills. 
•    Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with diverse culture and background.
•    Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment with goals and objectives in constant evolution.
•    History of achieving positive results.
•    Proficient in office computer skills (email, word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint, etc.).
•    Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively.

 

Experience:

•    Minimum 5 years’ work experience in either industry or academic & research, nutrition, food processing / supplements, clinical care, or other related field. 
•    Experience with evaluating scientific literature and communicating technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
•    Experience with working a fast-paced setting with evolving goals and objectives. 
•    Experience with working with diverse product portfolios since the position may be accountable for multiple product categories of the company.

 

Education:

•    Master's degree or higher in biochemistry, nutrition, food science, biology, chemistry or another related field.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

•    Preferred: Doctoral degree in biochemistry, nutrition, food science, biology, chemistry or related field. 
•    Record of peer-reviewed publications and / or scientific activities (peer-review journals, academic publications, presentations at conferences, etc.).
•    Practical experience with health claims substantiation and/or safety assessment for nutritional and/or personal care products.
•    Understanding of regulatory environment pertaining to claims and safety in the relevant area of business in NAM.
•    Experience with preparing scientific dossiers for regulatory filings and product registration is highly desired.
•    Experience with networking with and influencing external stakeholders including academics, research institutions and government officials.
 

#LI-GB1

#LI-Hybrid 

Herbalife offers a variety of benefits to eligible employees in the U.S. (limited to the 50 States and the District of Columbia), which includes Group Health Programs, other Voluntary Benefit Programs, and Paid Time Off. Group Health Programs include Medical, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), Basic Life/AD&D; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Other Voluntary Benefit Programs include a 401(k) plan, Wellness Incentive Program, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), Supplemental Life/Critical Illness/Hospitalization/Accident Insurance, and Pet Insurance. Paid time off includes Company-observed U.S. Holidays, Floating Holidays, Vacation, Sick Time, a Volunteer Program, Paid Maternity and Paternity Leave, Bereavement Leave, Personal Leave and time off for voting.