Research & Development Associate

About GU Energy Labs

GU is a family-owned, market-leading global sports nutrition brand, and we are looking for an R&D Associate to join our R&D team!

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented R&D Associate to support our product development team. This role is ideal for someone with a background in food science, nutrition, chemistry, or a related field who is eager to learn and grow within the sports nutrition industry. You’ll assist in developing new products, improving existing formulas, and supporting testing and documentation efforts.

Our ideal candidate also connects with GU’s core values of Athleticism, Accountability, Innovation, Collaboration, Longevity, and Love.

This is an on-site position and will be required to work from our Berkeley HQ every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in formulating and testing new sports nutrition products (e.g., energy gels, hydration mixes, supplement powders).


• Support bench-top experiments and maintain accurate lab notes.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Quality & Regulatory, on development process documentation, new ingredient approvals, and product testing and with Marketing, on consumer insights to inform product development.


• Perform ingredient research and help evaluate supplier samples.


• Help create surveys for concept, prototype, and field testing.


• Assist with sensory evaluations and stability testing.


• Document formulation changes, raw material specs, and trial data.


• Stay current on sports nutrition trends, new ingredients, competitive analysis, and industry innovations.


• Assist in physiological testing for athletes

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Chemistry, or a related field.


• 2-5 years experience in CPG food product development


• Strong interest in sports nutrition, fitness, or health & wellness.


• Basic understanding of food ingredients, formulation, and lab practices.


• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.


• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Prior internship or lab experience in the food/nutrition industry is a plus.