Principal Scientist, AI-Driven Formulation Optimization

VitaKey is an exciting start-up founded out of the Langer Lab, MIT, developing and commercializing proprietary technology for controlled, targeted, extended, and sustained

delivery of macronutrients, micronutrients, probiotics, biologics, small molecules, etc. to be

included in everyday foods and beverages to improve human health. We are seeking innovative

and motivated team members to be part of the company's next-phase of growth at our Durham NC

HQ. Learn more about our company on our website at www.VitaKey.com

Role Summary

VitaKey Inc. is seeking a highly innovative Principal Scientist to lead the development and

optimization of formulations for the precision delivery of nutrients using artificial intelligence.

This role will drive the integration of advanced AI/ML algorithms with formulation science to

create next-generation food and beverages.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the design and optimization of nutrient formulations using AI/ML to achieve targeted release profiles, stability, and bioavailability.
• Develop and validate predictive models for formulation performance, leveraging multi-omics, clinical, in vitro, and real-world data.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (R&D, data science, clinical, manufacturing) to translate AI-driven insights into scalable, commercial products.
• Oversee laboratory experiments to test, refine, and validate AI-optimized formulations.
• Author technical reports, patents, and regulatory submissions to support product development and commercialization.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in AI, formulation science, and precision nutrition, and recommend strategic adoption.
• Foster a culture of using AI to enhance and accelerate innovation and commercialization within the company.
• Strategically plan and identify high-impact opportunities for enterprise-wide AI adoption—including R&D, manufacturing, supply chain, and commercial operations—to drive organizational efficiency, data-driven decision-making, and sustained competitive advantage.

Qualifications

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemical Engineering, Computational Biology, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience with a proven track record in precision delivery systems and AI modeling.
• Demonstrated expertise in applying AI/ML to formulation optimization or related scientific problems.
• Strong understanding of nutrient bioavailability, encapsulation, and controlled release technologies.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills; ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or other data science languages.
• Experience with multi-omics data integration and analysis.
• Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD) and Design of Experiments (DoE) approaches.
• Prior experience in start-up or fast-paced innovation environments.