Colgate Palmolive

Princpal Scientist

Colgate Palmolive$148K — $174K *
Food & Beverages
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • PhD in Small Animal Nutrition, Physiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
  • 4+ years of post-PhD scientific research experience in basic or applied science
  • Expertise in scientific methodologies, complex data analysis, and problem-solving in nutritional biochemistry

Responsibilities

  • Lead the research pipeline for next-generation nutritional technologies
  • Integrate biological datasets with clinical outcomes and consumer insights
  • Design and communicate findings from research studies to stakeholders
  • Manage project portfolios including budgets and timelines
  • Cultivate partnerships with global researchers to fill technology gaps

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid parental leave and disability coverage
  • Participation in 401(k) with company matching contributions
  • A minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days and 13 paid holidays
  • Paid sick leave according to local laws
Full Job Description
Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #175150 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

As a Principal Scientist on the Nutrition Innovation team, you will lead short- and long-term research strategies that deliver breakthrough technologies, novel pet food products, and high-impact clinical claims. This position serves as a primary scientific anchor, integrating cutting-edge biological data into market-leading dietary solutions for Hill's Pet Nutrition. You will oversee cross-functional research initiatives from concept to commercialization, shaping the future of pet health and driving a continuous pipeline of innovation.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the strategic research pipeline to identify, evaluate, and commercialize next-generation nutritional technologies that establish long-term competitive market advantages
  • Integrate complex biological datasets-including genomic, metabolomic, and biochemical data-with clinical outcomes, consumer insights, and veterinary trends
  • Design, analyze, and communicate findings from internal and external research studies, delivering actionable recommendations to cross-functional partners in Marketing, Clinical Studies, and Product Development
  • Manage project portfolios, research budgets, timelines, and deliverable accountability across cross-functional innovation streams
  • Cultivate strategic partnerships with external global researchers and clinicians to integrate state-of-the-art scientific concepts and fill technology gaps

Required Qualifications
  • PhD in Small Animal Nutrition, Physiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline
  • 4+ post-PhD scientific research experience in basic or applied science
  • Demonstrated expertise in scientific methodology utilization, complex data analysis, and technical problem-solving within nutritional biochemistry

Preferred Qualifications
  • Practical experience applying canine/feline nutrition concepts through the execution of specialized animal feeding studies
  • Demonstrated skill in analyzing complex metabolite and microbiome datasets across multiple matrix types
  • Proven ability to lead change, foster experimentation, and drive technological innovation across research initiatives
  • Excellent cross-functional collaboration skills with a track record of building effective external research relationships

Key Standardizations & Optimizations
  • Template Alignment: Converted legacy percentage tables, SAP codes, and isolated competency lists into the standardized 4-section layout: Role Summary, Responsibilities, Required Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications.
  • Impact-Driven Responsibilities: Replaced task lists with 5 distinct, outcome-oriented bullets using active verbs (Lead, Integrate, Design, Manage, Cultivate) and removed internal administrative phrasing.
  • Objective Qualifications: Restricted Required Qualifications exclusively to resume-assessable criteria (PhD, specific minimum YOE without ranges, technical methods) to avoid unintended candidate disqualification.
  • Competency Integration: Shifted soft skills, LIFT principles, and leadership competencies (Driving Innovation, External Relationships, Fostering Experimentation) into Preferred Qualifications to be evaluated during interviews.


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $148,000.00 - $174,000.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

#LI-Hybrid

About Colgate Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive Company (Colgate) is a consumer products company whose products are marketed in over 200 countries and territories throughout the world. It operates in two segments: Oral, Personal and Home Care and Pet Nutrition. Oral Care business products include Colgate Total, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief, Colgate Max Fresh, Colgate Optic White, and Colgate Luminous White toothpastes, Colgate 360° manual toothbrushes and Colgate and Colgate Plax mouth rinses. Colgate's Oral Care business also includes dental floss and pharmaceutical products for dentists and oral health professionals. Its Personal Care products also include Palmolive, Softsoap and Sanex brand shower gels, Palmolive, Irish Spring, and Protex bar soaps and Speed Stick, Lady Speed Stick and Sanex deodorants and antiperspirants. It sells liquid hand soap under the Palmolive, Protex and Softsoap brands. Colgate, through its Hill's Pet Nutrition segment (Hill's), manufactures pet nutrition products for dogs and cats.

Colgate-Palmolive Careers

Join the vibrant team at Colgate-Palmolive, a global leader in oral care, personal care, and pet nutrition, where innovation, leadership, and care converge to create outstanding job opportunities. At Colgate-Palmolive, we are committed to offering more than just employment; we are dedicated to providing a platform where careers flourish and talents shine.

Work You’ll Do

At Colgate-Palmolive, every position is a chance to enhance global health and well-being. Whether you're involved in product development, marketing, finance, or technology, you'll contribute to projects that touch lives worldwide. Our team's diversity and commitment to inclusive leadership help foster an environment where new ideas and perspectives lead to dynamic solutions.

Innovate and Grow

Join a company renowned for innovation and set your career on a trajectory of growth and discovery. Colgate-Palmolive is the perfect place to challenge your skills and expand your horizons. Here, innovation isn't just another buzzword—it's a practical part of how we approach solutions and processes to improve the lives of our consumers.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our culture is all about collaboration and teamwork. At Colgate-Palmolive, you’ll work alongside professionals who are leaders in their fields, united by a common goal to make every day better for people around the globe. Our team is supported by robust diversity training programs that enhance understanding and drive innovation.

Future-Proof Your Career

With a multitude of career paths and job opportunities at all levels, Colgate-Palmolive empowers you to tailor your career journey. From internships to leadership roles, every career stage at Colgate-Palmolive is supported by extensive training and professional development opportunities, ensuring that your career aspirations have no limits.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, Colgate-Palmolive offers a range of opportunities. Explore positions that match your skills and interests through our job portal. We are continuously hiring and looking for curious, creative, and driven individuals to join our team.

Networking and Professional Development

At Colgate-Palmolive, career growth is complemented by opportunities for networking and professional development. Engage with leaders and peers at all levels and take advantage of our comprehensive benefits and programs designed to enhance your life both inside and outside of work.

Prepare for Your Interview

Ready to join us? Polish your resume, prepare for your interview, and show us why you are a perfect fit for our team. At Colgate-Palmolive, we value a straightforward and insightful interview process that seeks out individuals eager to contribute and grow.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Colgate-Palmolive: - **Career Tips**: Get insider perspectives and industry-leading insights you can use today—all from the people who work here. - **Job Alert Emails**: Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts and the latest news tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Colgate-Palmolive. Join Colgate-Palmolive and be part of a company that believes in growth, innovation, and the power of a diverse team to lead the industry forward. Explore our careers page and find out how your skills and passions can make a difference at one of the most respected companies in the world.
Learn more about Colgate Palmolive
Size
33,800 employees
Market Cap
$66.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$2.6 billion
Founded
1806
5 Year Trend
+2.8%
Revenue
$16.4 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Colgate Palmolive

More Food & Beverages Jobs

Find similar Princpal Scientist jobs: