Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company in Boston, MA
Are you a pioneering scientific leader with a passion for wellness and product innovation? A leading functional beverage company in Boston, MA is seeking a visionary Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to drive its R&D strategy and ensure product excellence. This is a unique opportunity to shape the science behind a fast-growing health and wellness brand. If you’re experienced in nutritional science, product formulation, and regulatory compliance—and ready to lead from the lab to the market—this role is for you.
Lead Scientific Innovation at a Cutting-Edge Beverage Company in Boston
A Boston-based company at the forefront of the functional beverage space is looking for a Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) to lead its scientific and innovation strategy. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in food science, functional ingredients, and health-focused formulations, with a strong track record of launching commercially successful, scientifically backed products. If you’re passionate about translating science into consumer impact, this is your opportunity to make a transformative mark in the industry.
Key Responsibilities of the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company
Scientific Vision & Innovation Leadership:
Define and execute a comprehensive scientific strategy that drives product innovation and supports the company’s mission in the health and wellness space. The Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company will lead efforts to identify functional ingredients, emerging technologies, and research opportunities to maintain competitive advantage.
Product Development & Formulation:
Oversee the end-to-end development of functional beverage products, from concept to commercialization. Ensure formulations are rooted in science, deliver functional benefits, and align with consumer needs and regulatory requirements.
Clinical Research & Validation:
Design, coordinate, and oversee clinical studies and scientific validation of product claims. Collaborate with academic institutions, research labs, and third-party partners to build credibility and support marketing efforts with evidence-based data.
Regulatory Strategy & Compliance:
Ensure all products and processes comply with local, national, and international food and beverage regulations, including FDA, GRAS, and labeling standards. The Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company will maintain documentation, manage audits, and mitigate regulatory risks proactively.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Work closely with marketing, operations, quality assurance, and executive leadership to integrate scientific insights into branding, production, and business strategies. Support go-to-market teams with scientific narratives that resonate with health-conscious consumers.
Innovation Pipeline Management:
Build and manage a robust R&D pipeline, prioritizing projects based on feasibility, scientific merit, and market opportunity. Establish timelines, KPIs, and resource allocation to ensure timely and cost-effective execution.
Talent Development & Team Leadership:
Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing scientific and R&D team. Cultivate a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning within the organization.
Quality Assurance & Ingredient Integrity:
Ensure the highest standards in raw material sourcing, formulation integrity, and finished product quality. Develop testing protocols and quality benchmarks in partnership with manufacturing and supply chain teams.
Sustainability & Health Trends Integration:
Leverage knowledge of sustainability and wellness trends to guide ingredient sourcing and product positioning. The Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company will ensure the brand remains relevant in a fast-evolving, health-conscious market.
What the Client is Looking for in You
As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, the client is seeking a visionary scientific leader with a strong foundation in nutritional science, product formulation, and regulatory strategy. You should possess the ability to bridge science and innovation, guiding the R&D function with strategic foresight while ensuring alignment with health trends and market demands.
Deep Expertise in Functional Ingredients and Beverage Science
The client is looking for a candidate with extensive experience in food science, biochemistry, or a related discipline—especially within the health and wellness or beverage sector. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, you should have a proven history of leading product innovation through scientific rigor and breakthrough thinking, translating functional ingredients into commercially viable products.
Strategic Scientific Leadership
You will be expected to drive the company’s scientific vision and innovation roadmap. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight into emerging health trends, clinical validation practices, and consumer wellness needs. Experience in building long-term R&D pipelines, conducting applied research, and executing cross-functional innovation strategies is essential.
Strong Regulatory and Compliance Acumen
The client seeks a leader with in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks (FDA, GRAS, DSHEA, etc.) and product labeling requirements. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, your ability to navigate complex compliance environments while maintaining the integrity of health claims and consumer trust will be highly valued.
Collaborative Approach and Cross-Functional Influence
Your ability to collaborate with marketing, branding, operations, and executive leadership is critical. The client values a CSO who can seamlessly integrate scientific knowledge with commercial objectives, supporting the brand’s market positioning and consumer messaging with credible, evidence-based insights.
Innovative Mindset with Consumer Focus
The ideal candidate is both a scientist and a strategic innovator—someone who understands how consumers perceive wellness and how scientific validation drives trust and loyalty. Your approach should combine curiosity, creativity, and precision to develop products that not only work but resonate deeply with today’s health-conscious consumer.
Experience in Building and Leading High-Impact R&D Teams
You should be a people-centric leader who fosters a culture of experimentation, accountability, and continuous learning. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, the ability to mentor scientific teams, inspire innovation, and build a high-performance R&D function will be central to your success.
FAQs About the Role – Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company
1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Scientific Officer in this role?
As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, you will be responsible for leading the scientific and product development strategy, overseeing formulation and clinical validation, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Your role includes managing R&D operations, guiding innovation pipelines, and translating scientific research into commercially successful, health-oriented beverage products.
2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should hold an advanced degree (PhD or MS preferred) in Food Science, Biochemistry, Nutritional Science, or a related field. You should have significant experience in the beverage or health & wellness sector, with a strong background in product formulation, ingredient research, and regulatory knowledge. Prior leadership experience in a scientific or technical role is essential to succeed as the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company.
3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The company is seeking a strategic scientific leader who combines technical expertise with business acumen. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, you must possess excellent communication skills, the ability to collaborate cross-functionally, and a talent for mentoring and growing high-performance R&D teams. An innovative mindset and the ability to align scientific rigor with market trends are key qualities.
4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You will face challenges such as staying ahead of functional food trends, navigating evolving regulatory landscapes, and balancing product innovation with cost-effectiveness. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, you’ll also be responsible for ensuring scientific credibility while supporting rapid product development and maintaining quality across supply chains.
5. What is the expected impact of the CSO on the company’s growth?
Your scientific leadership will play a critical role in driving product innovation, supporting brand differentiation, and maintaining consumer trust. The Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company is expected to guide R&D initiatives that translate into new product launches, regulatory wins, and long-term brand credibility—ultimately fueling growth and market expansion.
6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a collaborative, purpose-driven culture that values science-backed innovation and continuous learning. As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, you will be part of a passionate, entrepreneurial team focused on wellness, integrity, and delivering functional benefits through thoughtfully crafted beverages.
What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?
As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company in Boston, MA, you can expect a highly competitive and rewarding compensation package that reflects the strategic value of your scientific leadership. The remuneration structure is designed to attract experienced R&D executives who bring both technical expertise and innovation-driven vision to the company.
1. Base Salary
The annual base salary for a Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company typically ranges from $200,000 to $350,000, depending on company size, stage of growth, and the candidate’s experience in product development, regulatory affairs, and scientific leadership within the wellness or beverage industry.
2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Incentives are often tied to R&D milestones, product launch success, regulatory approvals, and innovation impact. Performance-based bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary, rewarding the CSO for delivering high-performing, science-backed products that align with business goals.
3. Equity & Stock Options
As the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company, you may also receive equity grants, stock options, or restricted stock units (RSUs). These long-term incentives are designed to align your scientific contributions with the company’s overall growth and market success, especially in startups or fast-scaling beverage companies.
4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many companies in the functional wellness space offer LTIPs based on sustained innovation, product pipeline growth, and regulatory milestones achieved over time. These plans reinforce a long-term commitment to science-led growth and product leadership.
5. Executive Benefits & Perks
A typical CSO compensation package also includes a robust suite of executive benefits, such as:
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) or retirement savings plans with company matching
Wellness and nutrition allowances (especially common in wellness-focused firms)
Professional development stipends for conferences, certifications, or continuing education
Executive coaching or leadership training programs
Flexible hybrid or remote work arrangements
6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Assistance
For senior-level candidates or out-of-state hires, companies may offer signing bonuses and relocation packages, typically ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, depending on seniority and market competition.
Total Compensation Potential
When including base salary, bonuses, equity, and benefits, total annual compensation for a Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company may range from $250,000 to $600,000 or more, particularly in high-growth or investor-backed environments.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary scientific leader with a passion for health-driven innovation and a proven track record in product development, we invite you to apply for the Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company based in Boston, MA. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of wellness beverages, lead R&D innovation, and drive scientific credibility in a competitive and fast-evolving industry.
To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in nutritional science, product formulation, regulatory strategy, team leadership, and innovation pipeline management. Highlight your ability to translate science into scalable consumer products, lead high-impact R&D teams, and contribute to strategic growth in the health and wellness sector.
This executive role offers the chance to be at the forefront of functional product innovation, where your expertise will directly influence brand credibility, consumer trust, and long-term market success. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Chief Scientific Officer with a Functional Beverage Company in Boston, MA!
For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Plant‑Based / Functional Food C‑Suite Recruitment Page.
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Chief Scientific Officer | Food & Beverage Science Jobs | Functional Nutrition Leadership | R&D Executive Roles | Scientific Product Innovation | Regulatory Affairs | Beverage Formulation | Health & Wellness Executive Jobs | Functional Ingredient Strategy | Nutritional Science Leadership
