Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand in Boston, MA

Are you a scientific innovator with deep expertise in nutrition, wellness, and product formulation? We are seeking a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead research, development, and innovation at a rapidly growing dietary supplement brand based in Boston, MA. This is a rare opportunity to shape the scientific vision of a consumer-focused company that’s redefining health and wellness through evidence-based products. If you are passionate about science-backed innovation and thrive in a collaborative environment, this role could be your next big move.

Lead Scientific Innovation at a Fast-Growing Supplement Brand in Boston

A leading dietary supplement company headquartered in Boston, MA is looking for a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to guide its R&D strategy and oversee product innovation. The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge in nutritional science, regulatory compliance, and clinical research. If you have a strong foundation in biochemistry or life sciences, a proven track record in supplement formulation, and the ability to lead scientific teams, this is your chance to make a lasting impact in one of the fastest-growing segments of health and wellness.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand

Scientific Strategy & Vision:
Lead the development and execution of the scientific roadmap for the brand. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, you will define and implement innovative research strategies that align with the company’s mission to deliver evidence-based health and wellness products.

Product Innovation & Development:
Oversee the ideation, formulation, and testing of new dietary supplement products. Ensure all formulations are grounded in clinical research, nutritional science, and regulatory compliance to meet consumer needs and differentiate the brand in the market.

Regulatory Affairs & Compliance:
Ensure all products, claims, and marketing materials comply with FDA, FTC, and other relevant regulatory authorities. Collaborate closely with legal and regulatory consultants to navigate the complex landscape of dietary supplement regulations and maintain the brand’s credibility.

Clinical Research & Evidence Generation:
Design and oversee clinical studies to validate product efficacy and safety. Use findings to support claims, drive consumer trust, and enhance brand positioning. Manage relationships with research institutions and third-party testing partners.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work collaboratively with marketing, operations, legal, and executive teams to align product development with business goals. Serve as the scientific voice of the brand, offering guidance on everything from ingredient sourcing to packaging claims.

Quality Assurance & Manufacturing Standards:
Establish and uphold stringent quality standards across the product lifecycle—from sourcing raw ingredients to final packaging. Collaborate with manufacturing partners to ensure consistency, purity, and effectiveness of all products.

Thought Leadership & Industry Engagement:
Act as a scientific ambassador for the brand. Represent the company at conferences, panels, and industry forums. Publish white papers, research summaries, and insights to establish authority and thought leadership within the dietary supplement community.

Team Leadership & Development:
Build and manage a high-performing R&D team. Foster a culture of scientific excellence, continuous learning, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Mentor scientists and technical staff, ensuring alignment with company values and innovation goals.

Data-Driven Insights & Consumer Trends:
Utilize scientific data, consumer research, and market analytics to identify emerging health trends and opportunities for product innovation. Integrate consumer insights into R&D efforts to create personalized, science-backed solutions.

Risk Management & Scientific Integrity:
Ensure scientific integrity in all aspects of product development and communication. Proactively identify potential scientific or reputational risks and implement mitigation strategies to uphold the brand’s trust and transparency.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, the client is seeking a highly accomplished scientific leader with deep expertise in nutrition, product innovation, and regulatory strategy. You should be a visionary thinker with a passion for health and wellness, capable of steering cutting-edge research and translating scientific insights into commercially successful products. A background in nutritional science or related life sciences, combined with leadership experience in the supplement industry, is essential.

Proven Scientific Leadership in the Supplement Industry

The client is looking for a seasoned scientific executive with a successful track record in the dietary supplement, functional foods, or nutraceuticals space. You should have experience leading R&D teams, overseeing product formulation, and navigating regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with FDA and FTC guidelines, as well as GRAS and DSHEA compliance, is highly valued.

Strategic Innovator with a Scientific Mindset

As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, you must bring a strategic and inquisitive mindset to identify emerging trends, lead clinical validation efforts, and support data-backed innovation. The client values candidates who can bridge the gap between scientific credibility and consumer relevance, creating breakthrough products that lead in both efficacy and market appeal.

Regulatory Expertise and Risk Management

A strong command of dietary supplement regulations, scientific substantiation for health claims, and quality control processes is crucial. You should be able to anticipate risks, ensure compliance, and build the scientific integrity of the brand’s portfolio. Experience collaborating with regulatory consultants and legal teams is a plus.

Collaborative Leadership and Team Development

The client is seeking a CSO who can inspire and manage cross-functional scientific teams. You should be capable of creating a culture of collaboration, curiosity, and precision across R&D, quality assurance, and innovation units. Experience mentoring junior scientists and aligning multidisciplinary teams toward a shared vision is highly desirable.

Consumer-Centric Scientific Approach

Understanding the modern wellness consumer is key. The ideal candidate should be able to align scientific development with consumer needs, translating complex research into accessible, benefit-driven products. The ability to use consumer insights and scientific data to co-create meaningful health solutions is highly valued.

Strong Communication and Brand Alignment

As a public-facing scientific leader, the client values your ability to represent the brand with credibility and authority. You must be adept at communicating complex scientific ideas clearly to stakeholders, investors, media, and consumers alike—strengthening the brand’s voice in an evidence-driven market.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand?
As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, you will lead the company’s scientific and product development efforts. Your responsibilities include overseeing research and development (R&D), directing product formulation based on clinical and nutritional science, ensuring regulatory compliance (FDA, FTC, DSHEA), managing quality assurance, and collaborating across departments to bring innovative, evidence-backed supplements to market. You will also represent the brand in scientific communications and industry engagements.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate for the role of Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand should hold an advanced degree (PhD, MD, or equivalent) in nutritional science, biochemistry, pharmacology, or a related field. Experience in supplement formulation, clinical research, and regulatory affairs is essential. A successful track record of leading R&D teams and launching scientifically validated products in the health and wellness space is highly desirable.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for success in this role?
The company is looking for a visionary scientific leader who can blend innovation with scientific rigor. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, you should possess strong decision-making skills, a collaborative leadership style, and the ability to translate complex research into practical, consumer-facing solutions. Clear communication, cross-functional teamwork, and the ability to mentor and inspire scientific teams are key qualities.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
In this role, you may face challenges such as staying ahead of evolving regulatory standards, ensuring scientific integrity across product claims, managing formulation timelines, and balancing innovation with market viability. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, you will need to navigate the dynamic landscape of consumer wellness trends while upholding the company’s commitment to quality, compliance, and credibility.

5. How does this role impact the company’s growth and product development?
The Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand plays a critical role in shaping the company’s scientific foundation and product pipeline. Your expertise will directly impact product efficacy, consumer trust, and brand differentiation. By guiding innovation and maintaining high scientific standards, you will be instrumental in driving product success and long-term company growth.

6. What is the company’s culture and scientific environment like?
The company fosters a science-first, innovation-driven culture that values collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement. You will be part of a mission-oriented team passionate about developing clean, effective, and research-backed supplements. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, you will be empowered to lead with scientific integrity while working alongside marketing, operations, and executive teams.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand based in Boston, MA, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package that reflects your scientific expertise, leadership capability, and the strategic importance of your role in the organization. The remuneration for this position typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary

The base salary for a Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand is determined by factors such as company size, growth stage, and geographic location. For a mid-to-large-sized supplement brand, base salaries typically range between $200,000 to $350,000 annually, with more established or investor-backed companies offering salaries at the higher end of that range.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

In addition to the base salary, the CSO may be eligible for annual performance-based bonuses. These are tied to key performance indicators such as successful product launches, regulatory milestones, clinical research outcomes, innovation pipelines, and overall business impact. Bonuses generally range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, depending on individual and company-wide results.

3. Equity & Stock Options

To attract and retain top-tier scientific talent, many companies offer equity-based incentives, such as stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs). As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand, this equity stake aligns your long-term interests with the company’s growth, especially if the organization is in a scale-up or pre-IPO phase. These incentives can represent a significant portion of your total compensation package.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies offer long-term incentive plans to reward scientific leadership and sustained innovation. These plans may include milestone payments for clinical trial results, patent development, or strategic partnerships that strengthen the brand’s scientific foundation and market credibility.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As a key executive, you may receive a comprehensive suite of benefits, such as:

Premium health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) with company match or executive retirement plans
Paid sabbatical or wellness benefits
Professional development support (conferences, certifications)
Executive travel or expense allowances
Life and disability insurance packages

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Support

For high-demand candidates, the company may offer a signing bonus or relocation assistance. Signing bonuses can range from $25,000 to $100,000, and relocation packages may include moving expenses, temporary housing, and support for family transition if required.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining all components—base salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits—the total compensation for a Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand can range from $300,000 to over $700,000 annually, depending on company performance, funding stage, and individual impact. In high-growth or venture-backed environments, compensation may be structured with substantial upside tied to product and business success.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary scientific leader with deep expertise in product innovation, regulatory compliance, and nutritional science, we invite you to apply for the role of Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand based in Boston, MA. This is a rare opportunity to shape the scientific direction of a fast-growing wellness company and lead groundbreaking supplement development backed by clinical research and scientific integrity.

To apply, please submit your resume and a tailored cover letter highlighting your experience in supplement formulation, clinical research, regulatory affairs, quality assurance, and team leadership. Be sure to demonstrate how your background aligns with driving evidence-based innovation, leading high-performing R&D teams, and building consumer trust through product efficacy and scientific credibility.

This role offers a high-impact career opportunity where your scientific leadership will directly influence product development, brand credibility, and long-term growth in a competitive and fast-evolving market. Apply today to take the next step in your executive journey as a Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand in Boston, MA.

For more information or to explore similar opportunities in the nutraceutical and wellness space, visit our Nutraceuticals Executive Search Firm Page.

Job Category: Nutraceuticals

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Boston

Chief Scientific Officer with a Dietary Supplement Brand in Boston, MA