Nutrition Scientist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

For over 60 years, MeriCal has been at the forefront of innovation in the dietary supplement industry, delivering custom manufacturing and packaging solutions with passion and precision. With state-of-the-art facilities in Southern California and Ogden, UT, we transform ideas into high-quality products—from research and development to the finished products. Our team, with over 30 years of combined experience, is dedicated to crafting exceptional gummies, probiotics, tablets, capsules, chewables, and powders using clinically backed ingredients. At MeriCal, we don't just meet expectations—we exceed them, every time. Join us and be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team shaping the future of nutrition!

The Nutrition Scientist serves as a scientific and regulatory safeguard across product development, commercialization, and external partnerships. This role is responsible for developing substantiation dossiers, ensuring claims and labeling compliance, and collaborating with strategic partners. The ideal candidate is both a strong scientist and an effective storyteller who can connect science, market trends, and business opportunities.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Claims Substantiation:

• Develop and maintain substantiation dossiers for key ingredients and finished products.
• Evaluate scientific literature to support structure-function claims.
• Ensure claims are truthful, not misleading, and FDA compliant.

Label & Compliance Review:

• Review product labels and marketing materials for FDA compliance.
• Develop dietary supplement labels, including supplement facts panel.
• Verify compliance of supplement facts panels and ingredient listings.
• Resolve compliance risks with internal teams.

Supplier Collaboration & Scientific Governance:

• Participate in supplier innovation meetings and review scientific evidence for each ingredient.
• Track and bring forward emerging ingredients.
• Develop joint collaborative projects with key partners ensuring regulatory and business relevance.
• Access scientific data for quality and compliance risks.
• Guide research based on claim(s) and labeling relevance.

Regulatory Guidance & Risk Management:

• Act subject matter expert on supplement regulations and standards.
• Provide guidance to minimize regulatory risks.
• Monitor regulatory trends and enforcement.

Cross-Functional Support:

• Collaborate with R&D, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and Innovation.
• Support customer-facing teams with compliant messaging.
• Translate science into commercially compelling product positioning.
• Evaluate supplier pipelines and integrate novel ingredients into innovation concepts.

Scientific Storytelling:

• Develop technical sell sheets, concept decks, and assist with innovation brief's and concepts.
• Communicate complex scientific concepts clearly for customers.
• Ensure concepts are scientifically credible and marketable.

• MS or higher degree in nutrition science or food science.
• 2+ years of experience in dietary supplement industry with expert knowledge of nutrition and dietary supplement formulation and technology.
• Analytical and critical thinking.
• Regulatory expertise and risk awareness; practical understanding of DSHEA.
• Track record of translating technical information to nontechnical audiences.
• Scientific creativity and innovation mindset.
• Strong storytelling and commercial communication ability.
• Customer-centric thinking.
• Ability to translate science into business value.
• Cross-functional collaboration.
• Must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Ability to effectively interact with all levels of personnel with the upmost professionalism.
• Ability to handle multiple, rapidly changing and conflicting priorities.

• No-cost vision insurance (yes, you read that right!), employer-paid life insurance, paid company holidays, generous paid time off, sick leave, employee assistance program, and a comprehensive wellness program.
• Affordable medical and dental insurance plans tailored for you and your dependents.
• Exceptional supplemental benefits, including Accident, Critical Illness, Hospitalization indemnity plans, and pet insurance.
• 401(k) matching plan and more!

A reasonable estimate of the current base pay range for this position is $120,000- $140,000. The compensation offered may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and/or education.

MeriCal is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. We believe in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected, and where differences are embraced as strengths. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that promotes equality and celebrates diversity. Qualified applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or certain state or local laws. Please contact recruiting@merical.com if you need an accommodation due to a disability to complete an application, job interview, and/or to otherwise participate in the hiring process. This email does not respond to non-accommodations related requests. MeriCal uses E-Verify to confirm authorization to work in the United States. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the following website: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees For more information about the categories of personal information we collect from you and how we use, sell, and share that information, please see our Privacy Notice for California Contractors and Privacy Notice for California Employees.