Microbiologist

Colgate; South Carolina; On-site; USD 51,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate is seeking a Microbiologist responsible for performing microbiological testing and ensuring quality standards are met. Ideal candidates should have a relevant Bachelor's degree and lab experience. This role offers a comprehensive benefits package and opportunities for career growth in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days

13 paid holidays

Qualifications

• 1+ year of practical microbiology laboratory experience.
• Knowledge of general laboratory equipment.
• Practical knowledge of laboratory working environment.

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing of raw materials and finished products.
• Support implementation of Global Quality Standards.
• Assist with Cleaning & Sanitization validations.

Skills

Results orientation

Team building

Communication

Education

Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

incubators

autoclaves

microscopes

water baths

Job description

Press Tab to Move to Skip to Content Link

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

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 recognized 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 programs 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: Microbiologist

Travel Required?: Travel - up to 10% of time

Date: May 20, 2025

On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number#167080 - Hodges, South Carolina, 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.

The Microbiologist is responsible for performing microbiological testing within the Micro Control Program, and ensuring conformance to the Colgate Quality Standards.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform microbiological testing of raw materials, work-in-process, water, air, equipment surfaces, and finished product following good laboratory practices and the micro control program

Calculate, maintain, and utilize KPIs to drive continuous improvement, identify trends, and draw conclusions

Assist with Cleaning & Sanitization validations for products and equipment

Maintain lab equipment and calibrations

Complete Failure Investigations and properly document Out of Specification results

Support implementation and rollout of Global Quality Standards and local procedures

Provide product and raw materials micro release using SAP system

Provide support to facility to resolve nonconformance issues and identify corrective and preventive actions

Perform laboratory quality checks, controls, and media preparation following good laboratory practices

The position does require flexibility to work on weekends and shift work so as to best meet the facility’s needs and support projects

Provides operator C&S, Micro Awareness, Swabbing, and Aseptic Sampling training to technicians.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelors of Science in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or related field.

1+ year of practical microbiology laboratory experience.

Knowledge of general laboratory equipment (such as incubators, autoclaves, microscopes, and water baths).

Practical knowledge of laboratory working environment is required through job experience or college classwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

Results orientation - Displays a high energy level, and puts top priority in getting results.

• Working knowledge and practical Experience with good laboratory practices (GLP’s).

Ability to make decisions and communicate effectively while under pressure.

Team building/Relationship Building - Develops relationships with people throughout the facility.

Communication - Speaks and writes effectively, and keeps people up to date with information.

Maintains lab notebooks and testing documentation

Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $51,200.00 - $77,500.00 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 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Achieving our purpose starts with our people — ensuring our workforce represents the people and communities we serve —and creating an environment where our people feel they belong; where we can be our authentic selves, feel treated with respect and have the support of leadership to impact the business in a meaningful way.

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 .

#LI-On-site