Principal Scientist - Animal Nutrition Innovation

Colgate; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 148,000 - 174,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance within country

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive, through Hill's Pet Nutrition, seeks a Principal Scientist for the Nutrition Innovation team in Topeka, KS. You will lead short- and long-term nutritional research strategies to deliver breakthrough pet food technologies and clinical claims.

The role supports cross-functional initiatives from concept to commercialization and aims to drive innovation in pet health with global impact. Hybrid work and relocation within the country are offered.

Qualifications

• PhD in Small Animal Nutrition, Physiology, Biochemistry, or related discipline.
• 4+ post‑PhD scientific research experience in basic or applied science.
• Demonstrated expertise in scientific methodology, data analysis, and technical problem solving in nutritional biochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Integrate biological datasets (genomic, metabolomic, biochemical) with clinical outcomes and trends.
• Design, analyze and communicate findings from research studies to cross‑functional partners.
• Support project portfolios, budgets, timelines, and deliverables across innovation streams.
• Cultivate external partnerships with researchers and clinicians to advance technology gaps.

Skills

Post-PhD research experience

Data analysis

Biochemistry knowledge

Education

PhD in Small Animal Nutrition/related field

Job description

Principal Scientist - Animal Nutrition Innovation Job Alerts Link Job Description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or 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: Principal Scientist - Animal Nutrition Innovation

Travel Required: Travel – up to 10% of time

Posting Start Date: 8/19/26

Hybrid

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number#175150 - Topeka, Kansas, 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.

As a Principal Scientist on the Nutrition Innovation team, you will lead short- and long-term nutritional research strategies that deliver breakthrough technologies, novel pet food products, and high-impact clinical claims. This position serves as a primary scientific anchor, integrating cutting‑edge biological data into market‑leading dietary solutions for Hill’s Pet Nutrition. You will support cross‑functional research initiatives from concept to commercialization, shaping the future of pet health and driving a continuous pipeline of innovation.

Responsibilities

• Integrate complex biological datasets—including genomic, metabolomic, and biochemical data—with clinical outcomes, consumer insights, and veterinary trends

• Design, analyze, and communicate findings from internal and external research studies, delivering actionable recommendations to cross‑functional partners in Marketing, Clinical Studies, and Product Development

• Support project portfolios, research budgets, timelines, and deliverable accountability across cross‑functional innovation streams

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with external global researchers and clinicians to integrate state‑of‑the‑art scientific concepts and fill technology gaps

Required Qualifications

• PhD in Small Animal Nutrition, Physiology, Biochemistry, or a related scientific discipline

• 4+ post‑PhD scientific research experience in basic or applied science

• Demonstrated expertise in scientific methodology utilization, complex data analysis, and technical problem‑solving within nutritional biochemistry

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical experience applying canine/feline nutrition concepts through the execution of specialized animal feeding studies

• Demonstrated skill in analyzing complex metabolite and microbiome datasets across multiple matrix types

• Proven ability to lead change, foster experimentation, and drive technological innovation across research initiatives

• Excellent cross‑functional collaboration skills with a track record of building effective external research relationships

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $148,000.00 - $174,000.00 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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