What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research And Development Associate position at Laird Superfood?
📍 Boulder, CO (In-Person) | 🕐 Full-Time | 🔬 Research & Development
ABOUT THE ROLE
Laird Superfood, Inc (NYSE: LSF) is the parent company of Laird Superfood and Navitas — two mission-driven brands in the premium health food space. Our mission is to provide great-tasting, high-quality food products that are healthy, convenient, and accessible to all. We produce premium Superfood products including Creamers, Coffee/Latte Beverages, Baking Essentials, Plant-Based Powders, Protein Bars, Bites, Dietary Supplements and more, all made with high-quality, clean, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients. As a fast-paced company, we are expanding into several other product categories, delivering products that promote health and well-being, while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality.
We are looking for an entry-level Food Scientist who is passionate about superfoods and eager to grow their career in product development. This role works closely with our R&D team to formulate and develop innovative products from bench-top through commercial launch, with responsibilities that include traveling to contract manufacturing locations, conducting ingredient research, and staying ahead of consumer trends in the health and wellness space.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Formulate and develop new products from concept through commercial scale
• Assist in scaling formulas from bench-top to pilot and commercial production
• Conduct ingredient research and evaluate new raw material submissions from suppliers
• Source and evaluate new superfood ingredients aligned with emerging health trends
• Research consumer trends and summarize insights to inform product development direction
• Support prototype development and manage sample logistics for internal and external reviews
• Participate in internal sensory panels and competitive benchmarking evaluations
• Collaborate cross-functionally with QA, marketing, and operations teams during product launches
• Assist with regulatory and compliance documentation (label claims, allergen reviews, nutrition facts)
• Maintain accurate formulation records, specification sheets, and product development documentation
• Experience with or curiosity about certifications like Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, or Kosher
• Visit contract manufacturers to support R&D activities and production trials
• Ability to lift and move heavy equipment, ingredients, and materials as needed
• Various other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
• BS degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field required
• 1–3 years of experience in product development, food formulation, or a related role preferred
• Genuine passion for health, wellness, and the superfood lifestyle — this should feel like a calling, not just a job
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple active projects simultaneously
• Comfortable working in both a lab/kitchen environment and on the manufacturing floor
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs as required
• Valid driver’s license & personal vehicle required
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Working conditions are in an office, lab, or manufacturing environment
• Ability to accommodate travel to out-of-state contract manufacturing locations as required
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation is $65k–$80k depending on experience, education, and technical abilities. Generous PTO, 401k contribution, healthcare, more.
Laird Superfood is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To learn more, visit lairdsuperfood.com
Want me to put this into a Word doc or make any edits to the content itself?