Director of Research

Remote
Full Time
Executive

Job Summary

In this role, you will be responsible for leading RYZE’s clinical research strategy, driving scientific substantiation, and advancing our reputation as a thought leader in the functional food and supplement industry. You’ll design and oversee clinical trials, build evidence-based claims, and serve as a critical scientific partner across departments. This is not a product innovation role, but one that enables it through deep scientific rigor and clinical validation.


Key Responsibilities

Research Strategy & Scientific Leadership

  • Develop and execute a long-term research roadmap focused on clinical substantiation, regulatory alignment, and scientific differentiation.

  • Evaluate ingredients, mechanisms of action, and literature to support early-stage product ideation.

  • Design clinical trials end-to-end, including protocols, endpoints, biomarker strategy, and study design.

  • Collaborate with CROs, academic institutions, and IRBs to ensure trials are robust, feasible, and business-aligned.

Claims Development & Scientific Substantiation

  • Create substantiation strategies for structure/function and marketing claims across key markets.

  • Translate scientific data into clear, defensible claims in compliance with FDA, FTC, EFSA, and other regulatory standards.

  • Partner cross-functionally with Regulatory, Legal, Marketing, and Commercial to align claims with business goals.

Team Development & Functional Leadership

  • Build and manage a high-performing research team covering scientific affairs, clinical ops, and data analysis.

  • Implement systems to ensure scientific integrity, GCP compliance, and operational efficiency.

  • Provide scientific mentorship to partners in Product, Regulatory, Quality, and Marketing.

External Engagement & Scientific Thought Leadership

  • Cultivate relationships with CROs, KOLs, academic partners, and scientific associations.

  • Represent RYZE at conferences, industry panels, and regulatory discussions.

  • Lead publication of scientific papers, white papers, and conference presentations.

Scientific Interpretation & Data Analysis

  • Oversee data interpretation, statistical analysis, and clinical study readouts.

  • Distill complex findings into actionable insights for internal stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and consumers.


Qualifications

  • PhD or equivalent doctorate in Nutrition, Biochemistry, Clinical Research, Life Sciences, or related field

  • 10+ years of experience in functional food, dietary supplements, nutraceuticals, or related sectors

  • Deep experience designing and managing clinical trials from protocol through publication

  • Strong expertise in scientific claims substantiation and relevant global regulations (FDA, FTC, EFSA, etc.)

  • Demonstrated leadership of cross-functional scientific teams

  • Strong background in data analysis, statistics, and scientific writing

  • Published in peer-reviewed journals and experienced in scientific presentations

  • Strong communication skills and ability to simplify complex science for diverse audiences

  • Established network in clinical research, academia, and industry


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience managing CRO contracts and clinical study budgets

  • Familiarity with microbiome science, biomarker development, or personalized nutrition

  • Experience contributing to IP development and strategy

  • Background supporting commercial and marketing teams in translating science for consumers

This is a remote position. 
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