Post Doctoral Research Scientist-Research & Innovation ( Biological Sciences)

Colgate; Piscataway Township (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Piscataway, NJ is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Scientist in Research & Innovation (Biological Sciences) to study oxidative stress pathways and sensory responses in human oral mucosa. You will develop in vitro and ex vivo models to investigate ROS-associated pathways and establish biomarkers for oxidative stress-related cytotoxicity.

You will lead early-stage research programs that guide cross-functional teams in formulating safer, next-generation oral care products and

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field required.
• Experience with oral mucosal biology and immunology preferred.
• Biomarker discovery/validation experience desired.
• Bioinformatics data analysis experience beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies to evaluate oxidative stress and neuronal activation in oral tissue models exposed to formulations.
• Investigate cellular signaling cascades related to oxidative stress and neurogenic sensory responses.
• Identify salivary and biological markers specific to oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.
• Standardize testing protocols for screening active ingredients based on redox balance and neuronal reactivity.
• Translate oxidative and neuro-response findings into guidelines for product development teams.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Safety, Regulatory, and R&D leadership.
• Develop high-throughput oxidative assay screening systems and analyze gene expression changes in relevant pathways.

Skills

Oral biology

Oral immunology

Biomarker validation

Bioinformatics

Education

PhD in Oral Biology, Toxicology, Oral Immunology, or related field

Job description

Post Doctoral Research Scientist-Research & Innovation ( Biological Sciences) Job Alerts Link 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 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.

Information at a Glance Job Title: Post Doctoral Research Scientist-Research & Innovation ( Biological Sciences) Travel Required?: Travel - up to 10% of time Posting Start Date: 9/22/26 On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#176034 - 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.

Role Summary:

This Post Doctoral Research Scientist role focuses exclusively on understanding oxidative stress pathways and sensory responses in human oral mucosa triggered by oral care products. Your research will focus on developing in vitro and ex vivo models to study reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated pathways on oral mucosal and neuron-like cells. You will establish key biomarkers on oxidative stress related cytotoxicity. You will lead early-stage research programs that guide cross-functional teams in formulating safer, next-generation oral care products.

Responsibilities:

Discovery & Mechanistic Research

• Scientific Discovery: Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies to evaluate oxidative stress induction and neuronal activation in oral tissue models exposed to novel formulations.

• Mechanistic Cellular Pathology: Investigate cellular signaling cascades linked to oxidative stress and neurogenic sensory responses.

• Biomarker Identification: Utilize -omics platforms to identify salivary and biological markers specific to oxidative markers and cytotoxicity.

• Protocol Design: Standardize testing protocols for screening active ingredients based on redox balance and neuronal reactivity.

• Technical Reporting: Translate oxidative and neuro-response dataset findings into guidelines for product development teams.

Cross-Functional Innovation Strategy

• Interdepartmental Partnership: Communicate mechanistic findings on oxidative stress and neuro-activation to Safety, Regulatory, and R&D leadership.

• Legal & IP Strategy: Work with Legal/IP to secure patent protection for novel models or formulations mitigating oxidative and neurological stress.

Laboratory Excellence & Data Science

• Lab Models: Establish high-throughput oxidative assay screening systems.

• Protocol Development: Standardize testing methods for quantifying ROS generation and neuronal responses.

• Advanced Analytics: Leverage bioinformatics tools to analyze gene expression changes in oxidative and neuro response pathways.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD in Oral Biology, Toxicology Oral Immunology, or a related field

• Research experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Oral Mucosal Irritation Expertise: Deep understanding of irritation on oral soft tissues and mechanism of action of compounds inducing oral ulceration .

  • Oral Immunology Expertise: Understanding of oral immunology, specifically the mechanisms of allergic sensitization and the inflammatory cascades leading to mucosal ulceration.

  • Biomarker Validation: Experience in identifying, quantifying, and validating biological markers from biosamples such as saliva and blood.

  • Bio-informatics: Data analysis and developing computable prediction models.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Toxicology and Immunology: Hands-on experience.

• Risk Assessment & Safety Evaluation: Database knowledge and computational prediction

• Regulatory Knowledge: Safety databases, status of common oral care ingredients.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $90,000.00 - $96,000.00 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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