Plant Microbiologist (Contract)

Colgate; Malaysia; On-site; MYR 67,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive Malaysia is seeking a Plant Microbiologist on a contract basis to maintain microbiology lab operations and ensure compliance with Colgate Quality Micro Standard. You will develop sampling/testing programs for water, raw materials, WIP, environmental samples and finished goods, and perform releases in the SAP HANA system.

Responsibilities include driving GMP, safety, audits, investigations, and continuous improvement, plus training of staff and cross-functional collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or diploma in microbiology or related biological science.
• Minimum 2 years working experience in Microbiology Laboratory or Manufacturing plant QC Laboratory.
• Familiar with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

Responsibilities

• Maintain lab understanding of Colgate Quality Micro Standard.
• Develop microbiological sampling and testing programs for water, raw materials, WIP, environmental samples and finished goods.
• Ensure testing and releasing follow corporate methods and QA system.
• Design and administer validation strategies for CIP and utilities.
• Conduct raw materials and finished product releasing in S4 Hana system.
• Lead investigations of microbiological failures with plant operation and engineering teams.
• Drive GMP and Cleaning & Sanitation, and track KPI periodically.
• Participate in internal and external audits and support CAPA.
• Interface with Global & Divisional Quality/Microbiology teams for guidance.
• Initiate change control documentation prior to changes affecting product quality.
• Train staff and maintain lab documentation integrity.

Skills

Laboratory skills

ISO 17025

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor or diploma in microbiology

Tools

ISO/IEC 17025

Job description

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognised brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programmes that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title: Plant Microbiologist (Contract)

Travel Required?: No Travel

Posting Start Date: 09/06/2026

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number#174043 - Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specialising 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.

Responsibilities / Activities

Quality, Testing & Laboratory Systems

Responsible for maintaining a full understanding and complying with Colgate Quality Micro Standard governing the laboratory system.

Develop and implement microbiological sampling and testing programs for water, raw materials, WIP, environmental samples and finished goods in the facility based on Colgate Quality Standard and conform to the specifications prior to release.

Ensure all testing and releasing is performed according to corporate methods, policy and adheres to specification. This includes the set up and administration of a laboratory quality assurance system that covers method and material qualification as well as equipment Installation Qualification / Operational Qualification / Performance Qualification, calibration & maintenance.

Responsible for the design, implementation and administration of validation strategy for CIP, utilities (e.g., water) etc.

Conduct raw materials and finished product releasing in S4 Hana system.

Safety & Compliance

Develop and maintain safety documentation such as Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC), including keeping high-risk equipment in safe working condition and ensuring the validity of certification.

Manage laboratory safety equipment and instructions, precautions in handling and disposing of biological materials, in accordance with local environmental regulations.

Compliance to Colgate Biohazard Control Measure, Laboratory Safety standards and Foundational Safety Expectations.

Continuous Improvement & Investigations

Report and lead the investigation of microbiological failures with plant operation and engineering team.

Drive continuous improvement such as plant Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Cleaning and Sanitation (C&S) activities, Micro Vulnerability Assessment (MVA) including optimization activities for laboratory instruments, methods, and processes.

Evaluate and track the trending tools of Micro Susceptibility Index (MSI), C&S Index (CSI) and laboratory KPI periodically. Proactively identify, develop and implement Control Point Monitoring (CPM) and review gaps based on the CSI, CPM, MSI and Process Validation.

Audits & Documentation

Participate in internal audits and external audits (contract manufacturers & labs, suppliers, etc.).

Support Internal/External Audits and ensure all non-conformances are adhered to in a timely manner.

Interface with Global & Divisional Quality/Microbiology teams to provide input on programs, procedures and methods, and receive guidance & support on implementation of programs.

Initiate change control documentation in the respective area prior to the execution of the changes that affect the quality of the products.

Ensure lab documentation and records are managed, controlled, maintained and updated on a regular basis and in compliance with data integrity.

Team Leadership, Training & Cross-Functional Collaboration

Maintain laboratory staff by recruiting, selecting, orienting, developing and training to ensure consistent performance with right skill and competency.

Develop and implement microbiology training for plant floor management and operators.

Provide Micro Awareness training to Operator & MicroLab Analysts.

Maintain the inventory of media, chemicals/reagents & other accessories required for the microbiological analysis. Monitor and control the NVO/lab spending wisely.

Participate actively in Site C&S Team.

Participate as plant Water Team member.

Requirements

Possess bachelor degree or diploma in microbiology or related biological science.

Minimum 2 years working experience in Microbiology Laboratory or Manufacturing plant QC Laboratory.

Familiar with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.

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, colour, 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.