Microbiologist

Colgate-Palmolive; Hodges (SC); On-site; USD 52,800 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Hodges, SC is seeking a Microbiologist to join the Quality team, responsible for testing raw materials and ensuring product safety in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate has a B.S. in Microbiology and at least 2 years of laboratory experience, commanding familiarity with microbiological testing and cGMP compliance. Competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a Microbiologist in a manufacturing laboratory work environment.
• Experience with basic lab equipment and common microbiology lab instrumentation.
• Ability and flexibility to work a rotating schedule to support 24/7 operations.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing of raw materials, water, and finished products.
• Maintain Laboratory Quality Control Systems and ensure cGMP compliance.
• Support nonconformance resolution and identify corrective actions.

Skills

Microbiological testing

Documentation practices

cGMP compliance

Laboratory Quality Control

Continuous improvement

Education

B.S. in Microbiology or a related Science

Tools

pH meters

balances

Celsis Luminometer

autoclaves

biohazard cabinets

SAP

LIMS

Job description

No Relocation Assistance Offered

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.

Role Summary

• Join our Quality team in Greenwood, SC, and play a critical role in ensuring product safety and excellence! As the Microbiologist, you will be responsible for product and raw materials testing, troubleshooting, and the full implementation of the facility's Micro Control Plan.
• You’ll drive continuous improvement initiatives and leverage your expertise to maintain our high quality and compliance standards in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. This is your opportunity to own laboratory quality control systems and influence key operational decisions.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive microbiological testing of raw materials, water, work‑in‑process, and finished product for approval and release.
• Own the maintenance of the Laboratory Quality Control Systems and ensure cGMP compliance, including performing failure investigations and properly documenting Out of Specification (OOS) results.
• Lead the development and implementation of the plant‑wide Microbiological Control Program.
• Support nonconformance resolution, identify corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), and provide related Microbiology training to plant employees and assist with product, equipment, and CLEANING & SANITIZATION validations.
• Maintain and utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement, identify trends, and draw conclusions.

Required Qualifications

• B.S. in Microbiology or a related Science.
• 2+ years of experience as a Microbiologist in a manufacturing laboratory work environment.
• Experience with basic lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, Celsis Luminometer) and common microbiology lab instrumentation (e.g., autoclaves, biohazard cabinets).
• Demonstrated experience with general documentation practices and cGMP compliance, including notebooks and data entry forms with specific attention to detail.
• Familiarity with quality systems such as failure investigations, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), calibration, and change control.
• Ability and flexibility to work a rotating schedule to support a 24/7 plant facility operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge and practical experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and techniques such as Gram staining, microscopy, isolation plating, media preparation, and microorganism identification methods.
• Experience in an FDA‑regulated environment or an industrial environment implementing cGMPs.
• Demonstrate results orientation and the ability to prioritize duties to get effective results.
• Experience with SAP & LIMS.

Compensation And Benefits

Salary Range: $52,800.00 - $80,000.00 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.