Research Scientist

Colgate; Piscataway Township (NJ); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive in Piscataway, NJ is seeking a Research Scientist to join the Professional Oral Care team. You will drive global innovation and product development, collaborating with cross-functional experts to create high-impact solutions for dental professionals and patients.

The role combines hands-on laboratory work with data-driven decision making, ensuring rigorous safety and regulatory compliance while advancing projects from concept to commercialization in a global company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience developing and/or implementing consumer products.
• Experience in process development and scaling from lab to manufacturing.
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in team-oriented, cross-functional settings.
• Proven track record of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Identify and lead new technology initiatives for Professional Oral Care products.
• Manage stability programs with timely testing and documentation.
• Maintain comprehensive R&D documentation across the product lifecycle.
• Lead independent projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Interpret and communicate experimental results to technical and non-technical partners.
• Ensure rigorous safety and regulatory compliance throughout development lifecycle.
• Monitor industry trends to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills

Experience in consumer products

Cross-functional collaboration

Statistical analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemistry / Chemical Engineering / Materials Science

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.

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

Posting Start Date: 8/7/26

Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#175242 - 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.

Title: Research Scientist

Location: Piscataway, NJ

Role Summary:

Join our Professional Oral Care team in Piscataway, NJ as a Research Scientist, where you will play a pivotal role in driving global innovation and growth. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with cross-functional experts while shaping the future of oral health through cutting-edge technology and product development to create high-impact solutions that directly address the evolving needs of dental professionals and patients worldwide.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and lead new technology initiatives by developing an innovation pipeline for Professional Oral Care products that address the needs of dental professionals and patients
• Manage stability programs, ensuring timely testing and analysis (internal and external) to support documentation requirements
• Maintain comprehensive R&D documentation to ensure high-quality commercialization throughout the product lifecycle, including project timelines, formula databases, and registration documents
• Lead independent projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals and influence beyond your immediate network
• Interpret and communicate experimental results effectively to both technical and non-technical business partners
• Ensure rigorous safety and regulatory compliance throughout the entire product development lifecycle
• Monitor industry trends and competitor developments to maintain a competitive edge

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields
• 3+ years of experience developing and/or implementing consumer products

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in process development and scaling from laboratory to manufacturing environments
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and data interpretation
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in team-oriented, cross-functional settings
• Proven track record of managing multiple complex projects simultaneously

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $86,000.00 - $121,000.00 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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