Associate Director / Director This full-time, on-site position based in New York City offers a hands-on leadership opportunity within the research and development function of a growing and fast-paced startup in the wellness beverage space. The Associate Director / Director will be instrumental in driving innovation, product development, and continuous improvement across a portfolio of functional beverages and supplements. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-driven environment. The role combines food science, ingredient research, sensory testing, and cross-functional collaboration. It involves significant time in the lab developing prototypes, testing formulations, and working closely with external partners such as contract manufacturers and flavor houses. The position will work in close partnership with an existing senior R&D team member. A scrappy, solutions-oriented mindset and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial setting are essential. Key Responsibilities: Product Development & Innovation: Lead formulation and refinement of new and existing functional beverage and supplement products. Collaborate with external vendors, including flavor houses and R&D labs, to accelerate product development. Maintain organized and detailed formula databases, including specifications and supporting documentation. Build and manage a robust ingredient library with a clear perspective on functional efficacy and sourcing. Translate lab-scale formulations to commercial production while ensuring consistency, taste, and quality. Sensory Testing & Analysis: Conduct sensory evaluations (flavor, mouthfeel, solubility, appearance) for prototype and finished products. Use consumer feedback and analytical data to improve product formulations. Perform lab testing, including pH, stability, solubility, and physical property assessments. Ingredient & Market Intelligence: Monitor trends in functional ingredients, emerging food technologies, and scientific research. Identify formulation gaps or performance challenges and propose data-driven solutions. Develop subject matter expertise in ingredients associated with sleep, mood, and recovery. Compliance & Quality: Ensure product formulations comply with FDA regulations and applicable food safety standards. Assist in the development and review of nutrition labels, ingredient statements, and QA documentation. Uphold a clean, safe, and regulatory-compliant laboratory environment. Candidate Profile: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or a closely related discipline (Master’s preferred). Minimum of 3 years’ experience in product development within the food, beverage, or supplement industry. Strong familiarity with wellness-oriented functional ingredients (e.g., adaptogens, nootropics, sleep-support compounds). Solid knowledge of sensory evaluation, nutritional formulation, and ingredient interactions. Demonstrated experience working with external manufacturing or formulation partners. Skilled in lab work, formulation documentation, and commercialization scale-up processes. Highly detail-oriented with strong analytical and reporting skills. Clear communicator and collaborative team player with a startup mentality. Curious, mission-driven, and adaptable with strong sense of ownership. Willing to travel occasionally to manufacturing or vendor sites as needed.