Principal Nutritional Scientist

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Salt Lake City, UT that is seeking a Principal Nutritional Scientist.

Summary:
The Principal Nutritional Scientist is a senior scientific leader responsible for advancing research, innovation, and product development within a defined category. This role drives scientific strategy, develops and validates new technologies, solves complex technical challenges, and serves as a subject-matter expert across the organization. The position blends hands-on research with leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and external scientific engagement.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead advanced scientific research to support product innovation, positioning, and substantiated claims
* Design, execute, and analyze experimental studies that generate high-quality, reliable scientific data
* Develop research protocols, interpret results, and translate findings into actionable insights
* Own long-term research and development planning within a specific product or scientific domain
* Partner with cross-functional teams to move research from concept through successful product launch
* Ensure laboratory instruments and systems are properly installed, qualified, calibrated, and maintained
* Introduce new technologies, tools, and methodologies to improve efficiency, rigor, and outcomes
* Maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment
* Serve as a technical authority and scientific representative on cross-functional and interdepartmental teams
* Mentor and coach junior scientists, providing technical guidance and career development support
* Review experimental methods, data, and documentation to ensure scientific accuracy and integrity
* Produce clear, comprehensive scientific documentation, including protocols, reports, and technical summaries
* Present research findings at scientific conferences and publish results in peer-reviewed journals

REQUIREMENTS:
* PhD preferred (Master's or Bachelor's degree with equivalent experience considered)
* 4+ years of relevant scientific research or industry experience
* Scientific Expertise: Strong background in one or more disciplines such as molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, or food science
* Technical Skills: Experience with relevant instrumentation (e.g., spectroscopy, microscopy, electrophysiology) preferred
* Research & Analysis: Demonstrated ability to design complex experiments and perform statistical analysis and data visualization
* Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
* Leadership: Proven experience mentoring and guiding junior scientists
* Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills with the ability to address complex scientific challenges
* Collaboration: Effective cross-functional partner with strong relationship-building skills
* Innovation Mindset: Curiosity-driven, creative thinker with a passion for scientific discovery

Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
* Primarily sedentary work involving computer use, data analysis, and documentation
* Regular use of standard office equipment and specialized laboratory instrumentation
* Manual dexterity required for keyboarding, handling lab materials, and operating equipment
* Visual acuity necessary for data analysis, detailed inspection, and close work
* Exposure may include laboratory hazards such as chemicals, mechanical equipment, vibration, and atmospheric conditions
* Work is primarily conducted indoors in laboratory and office environments

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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