Microbiology Scientist/Research Scientist

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number #170873 - Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

Microbiology Scientist/Research Scientist

You will join our high-impact global team at the Piscataway campus to play a critical role in the microbiological approval process that ensures the safety and quality of Colgate products. By developing strong partnerships with Research and Development teams, you will influence the product development process through expert testing guidance and thorough results analysis. You have the unique opportunity to lead assessments of test results for new and modified formulas, directly contributing to the innovation and success of our categories.

What you will do:

• Perform microbiological testing and assessment of results in accordance with standard procedures, including antimicrobial preservative efficacy testing, microbial limits testing, microbial challenge testing, and method suitability using traditional and rapid detection methodologies
• Support environmental monitoring program, including sampling/testing of water, air and surfaces.
• Lead Global Category partnerships with the product development team in the area of personal care/oral care by providing Microbiological Approval Process guidance for new and modified formulas
• Collaborate with the team on microbiology laboratory standardization programs including but not limited to QA and QC, lab equipment maintenance and qualification, overseeing media preparation, supporting and improving upon general laboratory compliance, etc.
• Execute laboratory investigations, including root cause analysis, and properly document out of specification results
• Author technical justifications, protocol, SOPs, and reports, including thorough interpretation, understanding, and presenting of data
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise laboratory records following the principles of ALCOA
• Supports internal and external audits
• Additional tasks, as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field required
• Minimum 1-3 years functional experience in a microbiology laboratory required; manufacturing/industry/research & development experience preferred
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of microbiological testing procedures and laboratory processes and experience with common microbiology laboratory equipment
• Working knowledge and practical experience with good manufacturing practices and data integrity in a microbiology lab environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field
• Experience performing antimicrobial effectiveness testing and microbial limits testing comparable to USP 51, 60, 61, 62
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and think critically with self driven progress on projects

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range $74,400.00 - $104,000.00 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.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.

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