Food Scientist – Help Scale a NASA-Inspired Nutrition Startup

About READYBAR

With a USDA Phase I SBIR award and NPR coverage under our belt, READYBAR is gearing up for production. We are the only meal replacement bar that meets the U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, delivering balanced nutrition with less than 10% of calories from sugar. Created by an ex-NASA scientist, READYBAR is built to the same standards as astronaut food, with a two-year shelf life and stable omega-3 fatty acids for long-term health. Unlike most bars that cause sugar crashes, READYBAR provides steady energy for long, demanding workdays. Our formulation and shelf-life stability make it uniquely suited for first responders, military, and anyone needing reliable performance fuel in extreme conditions.

Position Overview

We're seeking a Food Scientist to help advance READYBAR's R&D, support production, and lead experimentation and documentation for our USDA SBIR grant. This role is cross-functional and requires someone excited to contribute across multiple domains in a startup environment. In addition to technical expertise, this individual will interact with logistics, the Office of the CEO, and sales and marketing teams to ensure alignment between R&D, production, and business growth.

• 8-month 1099 contract

• Location: Albany / San Mateo / San Francisco (onsite)

• Flexible 30–40 hrs/week

• Compensation: Equivalent to $80,000–$110,000 annually, depending on experience

Key Responsibilities

Research & Development
- Refine and improve READYBAR formulations to optimize taste, texture, nutrition, and shelf life. - Conduct ingredient and technology research to support SBIR grant objectives and broader product goals. - Translate R&D findings into scalable processes for commercial production. - Lead experimental design, data collection, and documentation to meet grant reporting requirements.

Production & Scale-Up
- Provide hands-on support during small-batch production, scale-up, and packaging. - Troubleshoot technical challenges and implement corrective actions. - Ensure consistent product quality and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.

Documentation & Compliance
- Maintain detailed experimental records, protocols, and reports for SBIR grant compliance. - Conduct shelf-life studies, stability testing, and sensory evaluations. - Support regulatory compliance (FDA, GMP, HACCP).

Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with logistics to coordinate materials and equipment. - Collaborate with the Office of the CEO on project priorities and timelines. - Provide technical input to sales and marketing to ensure accurate product representation. - Support general startup operations as needed.

Why Join READYBAR?

READYBAR is a mission-driven small business dedicated to fueling first responders with the best nutrition possible. Joining READYBAR means being part of a company inspired by NASA deep-space exploration R&D, committed to innovation, quality, and service to those who protect our communities. You'll play a key role in building a company at the intersection of science, health, and impact.

Contract Details

•This is a 1099 independent contractor role. Contractor is responsible for their own taxes and does not receive employee benefits.

•Future opportunities may be available based on performance and fundraising.

How to Apply

Submit your application via Easy Apply. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and for the duration of the contract, without the need for current or future sponsorship.