TITLE: Food Scientist REPORTS TO: Senior Product Developer LOCATION: Required to be on-site in La Vergne, TN (we will consider relocation) ABOUT: Starshot Ventures is a multifaceted investment platform led by Kurt Seidensticker, the founder and former CEO of Vital Proteins. Starshot encompasses a Consumer Product Goods Venture Studio (Launch Pad), a growth stage venture capital firm, and a family office. Vital Proteins was a category creating dietary supplement brand and its sale to Nestle Health Sciences in 2022 was one of the most successful dietary supplement exits in history. Following the sale, Starshot has evolved into a prominent venture studio and venture capital fund. Starshot focuses on creating and investing in innovative consumer brands across various sectors including wellness, technology, hospitality, and fashion; as well as real estate and other equities. As a family office, Starshot manages a diverse portfolio of consumer product goods companies, real estate, equities. Starshot is backed by a team of highly accomplished consumer brand leaders who deliver on our overall strategy of consumer wellness. We invest in and build subversive and energetic brands in the health and wellness space. WHY JOIN US: We are a lean team of investors supported by an experienced team of seasoned leaders and well-respected brand builders on a mission to empower and nurture unique brands that make health and wellness accessible for all. We lead with curiosity and chase bold ideas in the pursuit of helping others be their best. This is a role where you will have the opportunity to charge your own path - and be a game-changer in the industry - amongst a group of passionate wellness pioneers. If you share this passion and are looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. ROLE SUMMARY: Starshot Ventures Launch Pad is looking for a skilled and analytical Food Scientist to work on-site at our new manufacturing facility and R&D lab in La Vergne, TN. This role is responsible for supporting the product development and commercialization of all products in the strategic product roadmap for all brands. This will include but is not limited to supporting formula development, sample preparation, sensory, manufacturing, quality, and compliance. This role is responsible for supporting company objectives and ensuring Innovation roadmaps are being executed on-time, utilizing world class approaches to product development. A collaborative mindset is critical to success in a hands-on environment. RESPONSIBILITIES: Prepare dietary supplement samples and prep for delivery to internal stakeholders for sensory and efficacy evaluation. Lead the development and execution of a stability testing protocol on all existing and future products across all brands to ensure quality throughout shelf-life. Lead the raw material qualification process during product development. Support the development of dietary supplement formulas including new items, line extensions, and optimizations, from ideation through commercialization, that meet internal and external product guidelines. Collaborate with external partners including ingredient suppliers, and third-party labs to request documentation, samples, and/or testing methodologies to support product development. With minimal supervision, leads self through product development schedules that meet aggressive project timelines. With support from Regulatory and Quality, review ingredient documentation and formulas to prepare component and product specifications for manufacturing. Follow consistent, world class processes across all phases and aspects of Innovation. Support plant trials and first production of new products as needed. Demonstrates accountability end-to-end in all aspects of product development and commercialization Actively seek to enhance technical skills through project experience, conferences, training programs. Support product tastings with internal stakeholders. Be flexible in taking additional tasks as needed to support company business objectives. QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. degree in Food Science, Nutrition Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field is required. 4-6 years in food, beverage, or dietary supplement R&D is required. Experience developing across multiple categories is strongly preferred. Solid understanding of FDA guidelines, food industry standards, and quality and food safety is a requirement. Experience working through ambiguity, adapting to change, and persevering. A drive for results/can-do mentality is critical to success along with a positive mindset. Demonstrated success developing products from benchtop through commercialization. Experience developing across multiple food categories is strongly preferred. Excellent project management skills with ability to prioritize multiple activities and projects simultaneously. Ability to work collaboratively across levels and functions internally and with third parties. Ability to identify risks, and effectively communicate these to management. Willingness and ability to travel up to 15%, including occasional overnights, depending on project work. Ability to travel by car and plane as an effective and professional representative of SVLP. Ability to work occasional overnights and occasional weekends, to support plant or pilot trials as needed. Proven ability of working in a team environment and in onsite and virtual teams. ATTRIBUTES: You lead with positivity. Excited to uphold a culture of teamwork and collaboration with a we-first attitude. You seek ideas and feedback from all members, and aren't afraid to raise your hand to help others. You're gritty. Ready to jump in at any or all of the stages involved in taking an idea to market from the get-go. No egos, no hesitations, no attitudes. We're a brand incubator that takes ideas from the ground floor to market, so you have to be ready to dive in with whatever is necessary at any step of the way. You're collaborative. You have great interpersonal skills and thrive off of building productive relationships with those around you, even in stressful times. You're collaborative. You have great interpersonal skills and thrive off of building productive relationships with those around you, even in stressful times. You love what you do. You nerd out on industry trends and constantly follow competitive brands in your free time, always looking for the next best thing. You are organized. Process is cool. You'll bring new folder structures and eliminate wasted time searching for documents. BENEFITS Competitive Salary Health/Vision/Dental Benefits + FSA Unlimited PTO + 13 paid holidays Equity participation in multiple brands 12 weeks paid parental leave 401K plan with 6% employer match $250 total monthly stipend for wellness + internet/cell phone Amazing people & interesting work!
