Principal Scientist R and D

Summary:

The Senior Scientist, Research & Development, serves as a hands-on technical leader within Young Living’s R&D organization, driving applied botanical science, extraction innovation, and product development from concept through commercialization. This role emphasizes real-world execution in regulated environments, combining deep extraction science, analytical chemistry, and formulation experience with strong systems thinking and cross-functional collaboration.

This position is ideal for a scientist–operator with demonstrated experience building and optimizing extraction, formulation, and manufacturing systems; translating botanical science into compliant, market-ready products; and operating within GMP-regulated environments. The role supports essential oils, botanicals, and plant-derived ingredients in alignment with Young Living’s Seed to Seal® commitment.

Essential Functions

Applied Research, Extraction & Product Development

• Lead and execute applied R&D initiatives across essential oils, botanicals, adaptogens, and plant-based ingredients


• Design, conduct, and interpret laboratory experiments related to extraction, separation, formulation, and stability


• Develop and optimize extraction methodologies, including steam distillation, ethanol extraction, CO₂ extraction, hydrocarbon extraction, hydrosol fractionation, and liquid–liquid separations


• Translate experimental findings into scalable, GMP-compliant processes and commercially viable formulations


• Support innovation pipelines from early-stage research through pilot-scale validation and commercial manufacturing transfer

Extraction Science, Process Optimization & Scale-Up

• Apply and refine botanical extraction and separation technologies, including fractionation, chromatography, sonication, cavitation, and process-enhancing methodologies


• Evaluate raw material variability, phytochemical profiles, yield efficiency, and process repeatability


• Partner with Operations and Manufacturing to support scale-up, equipment specification, process validation, and batch documentation


• Contribute to the optimization of extraction ROI, throughput, and material utilization

Analytical Chemistry, Data Integrity & Quality Support

• Conduct and interpret analytical testing using GC, GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, NIR, and related chromatographic and spectrometric techniques


• Assess chemical fingerprints, batch-to-batch variability, and ingredient authenticity


• Support method development, validation, and troubleshooting of analytical results


• Ensure experimental data integrity, traceability, and documentation aligned with quality systems and regulatory expectations

Regulatory, Compliance & Scientific Substantiation

• Operate within GMP and quality-driven environments, supporting SOP development, validation, and compliance documentation


• Partner with Regulatory and Quality teams to support ingredient reviews, claims substantiation, and regulatory inquiries


• Contribute to scientific substantiation, technical justification, and compliant use of botanical ingredients

Scientific Communication & Cross-Functional Leadership

• Serve as a scientific subject matter expert (SME) for extraction science, botanical chemistry, formulation, and process optimization


• Author and review technical documentation, including protocols, internal reports, white papers, and scientific summaries


• Present scientific background and research findings to internal stakeholders, Brand Partners, and leadership


• Translate complex botanical and analytical science into clear, accurate, and engaging messaging for non-technical audiences

Systems Thinking, Mentorship & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the development and refinement of laboratory best practices, SOPs, and experimental workflows


• Support R&D systems, including LIMS, data traceability tools, and cross-functional workflow integration


• Mentor junior scientists and contribute tothe  development of technical and operational capabilities within the R&D team


• Evaluate emerging technologies, scientific literature, and industry trends to inform innovation strategy


• Support external collaborations with vendors, research partners, and third-party laboratories

Core Competencies

• Botanical extraction science & chemistry


• Analytical method interpretation


• GMP & quality systems awareness


• Process optimization & scale-up


• Scientific communication & storytelling


• Systems and operational thinking


• Cross-functional collaboration


• Attention to detail and scientific integrity

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related scientific discipline, or equivalent applied experience


• 7+ years of hands-on experience in applied R&D, botanical extraction, formulation, analytical chemistry, or natural products development


• Demonstrated experience with extraction technologies, including distillation, ethanol, CO₂, hydrocarbon extraction, and botanical separations


• Strong working knowledge of analytical techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, FTIR, NIR, and chromatography


• Experience operating within GMP, quality systems, and regulated manufacturing environments


• Proven ability to design experiments, analyze complex datasets, and translate findings into actionable, scalable outcomes


• Strong scientific writing, presentation, and cross-functional communication skills


• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Note: A PhD or academic-only background is not required. Candidates with deep applied experience, systems thinking, and a track record of execution in regulated environments are highly valued.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with essential oils, botanicals, adaptogens, functional mushrooms, or plant-derived ingredients


• Background in GMP facility design, process validation, or manufacturing scale-up


• Experience supporting FDA-regulated products, compliance remediation, or quality system rebuilds


• Familiarity with analytical variability, chemical fingerprinting, and botanical authentication


• Experience mentoring or leading cross-functional scientific teams


• Experience translating botanical science into compliant product positioning or education

Supervisory Responsibility:

This job does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. The role routinely uses standard office equipment, including a laptop, desktop, smartphone, and photocopiers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Essential oils are used in the workplace, either worn or diffused.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This position requires the incumbent to be physically present at the assigned worksite. The regular schedule is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a 1-hour lunch break, Monday through Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Employees are also expected to work at least one non-convention farm event per year and at the annual company convention.

 The exact hour requirements can be reasonably modified, as needed, by the employee’s manager to meet business needs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. Specific vision abilities of this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee is required to type, file, and occasionally lift office supplies up to 20 pounds. The employee must be physically able to tolerate the scent of essential oils worn or diffused.

Safety-Sensitive Position Notice:

This position is classified as safety-sensitive, meaning that job performance can significantly affect the safety and health of employees, customers, or the public. As a result, candidates for this role may be subject to pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing, background checks, and other compliance requirements in accordance with company policy and applicable laws. These positions may require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and the completion of mandatory safety training. Ensuring a safe work environment is a top priority, and adherence to all safety protocols and regulations is mandatory.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Young Living is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Sponsorship:

Young Living does not provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Note:

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the organization's ongoing needs.

Why Join Young Living

At Young Living, science, systems, and nature work together to create world-class plant-based wellness products. Our R&D team applies rigorous scientific methods to botanicals and essential oils, guided by our Seed to Seal® commitment. This role offers the opportunity to combine deep technical expertise with visible scientific leadership—helping build scalable systems, support compliant innovation, and translate botanical science into high-quality products that impact customers worldwide.