Post Doctoral Research Scientist-Research & Innovation ( Biological Sciences) (176034)

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

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Scientist in Piscataway, NJ, on-site. The role focuses on oxidative stress pathways and sensory responses in human oral mucosa, developing in vitro and ex vivo models to study ROS-related mechanisms and neuronal activation.

The candidate will lead early-stage programs, identify biomarkers, and collaborate with Safety, Regulatory, and R&D teams to guide safer, next-generation oral care products.

Qualifications

• PhD in Oral Biology, Toxicology, Oral Immunology, or a related field.
• Experience with oral mucosal irritation mechanisms and irritation pathways.
• Biomarker validation and analysis using biosamples such as saliva or blood.
• Bioinformatics and data analysis capabilities for oxidative stress pathways.

Responsibilities

• Execute in vitro and ex vivo studies to evaluate oxidative stress induction and neuronal activation in oral tissue models.
• Investigate cellular signaling cascades linked to oxidative stress and neurogenic sensory responses.
• Identify, quantify, and validate salivary and tissue biomarkers of oxidative markers and cytotoxicity.
• Develop standardized testing protocols for screening active ingredients based on redox balance and neuronal reactivity.
• Translate findings into practical guidelines for product development teams.

Skills

Oral Mucosal Irritation

Oral Immunology

Biomarker Validation

Bioinformatics

Education

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

Job description

Career Opportunities: Post Doctoral Research Scientist-Research & Innovation ( Biological Sciences) (176034)

Requisition ID176034-Posted09/22/2026-Research & Development-United States-New Jersey-Piscataway-Colgate-Palmolive-Travel - up to 10% of time-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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