Research Scientist - Oral Care Formulation

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

Paid vacation and holidays

Job summary

Colgate-Palmolive is seeking an Oral Care Research Scientist for Global Product Development. Based in Piscataway, NJ, you will lead formulation development from lab to commercialization and manage stability studies with cross-functional teams.

You will apply chemistry knowledge to new formats, document procedures, and ensure regulatory guidelines are met, working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Food Science or related fields.
• 3+ years of experience formulating consumer products or food products.
• Experience with cGMP/GMP and GLP environments.

Responsibilities

• Drive the creation and validation of oral care formulations for global markets.
• Lead experimental designs to identify launch formulations and production processes.
• Make lab and pilot batches for stability testing and validations.
• Create and maintain R&D documentation to ensure quality commercialization.
• Manage stability studies across lab, pilot, and plant scales with cross-functional teams.
• Be the R&D point of contact for commercial teams and communicate results.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Scientific communication

Education

Bachelor's in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Biochemistry/ Food Science

MS in Chemistry/ Chemical Engineering/ Biochemistry/ Food 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.

Job Title: Research Scientist - Oral Care Formulation

Travel Required?: No Travel

Posting Start Date: 9/9/26

On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered Job Number#175816 - 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.

Oral Care Research Scientist - Global Product Development

This position seeks a Research Scientist dedicated to Global Product Development within Oral Care formulations. The individual will spearhead the technical creation of novel consumer experiences, develop experimental models to illustrate product mechanisms of action, and facilitate the commercialization of sophisticated formulas from laboratory stages through Technical Readiness.

Key Responsibilities

Product Development & Formulation

Drive the creation and validation of oral care formulations, including toothpaste, mouthwashes, and innovative new formats for global markets, ensuring strict adherence to safety standards and regulatory guidelines.

Apply a technical understanding of related chemistry and science (e.g., active deliveries, emulsions, surfactants, rheology, liquid chemistry) to new product innovation.

Lead experimental designs to help identify launch formulations and production processes.

Make lab and pilot batches of formulations for stability testing and for other validations, such as consumer tests, clinicals and customer samplings.

Make day-to-day recommendations and escape issues regarding formula development.

Stay abreast of supplier and competitor’s new developments .

Testing, Scale-Up, and Documentation

Manage multiple stability studies at the lab, pilot, and plant scale, collaborating with support groups (analytical, flavor, microbiology, etc.) to deliver samples and follow up on results

Support Pilot Plant batches by preparing batch sheets, requesting raw materials, pre-weighing materials, and executing batches

Create and maintain all required R&D documentation to ensure flawless, high-quality commercialization.

Maintain all required documentation under GMP/GLP per FDA/ICH guidelines as required.

Documentation may include R&D project timelines, formula databases, tech transfer checklists, proof of claims documents , registration documents, and technical justifications

Basic knowledge of submitting invention records and documenting innovations and protecting company’s intellectual property.

Collaboration and Communication

Be the R&D point of contact for commercial teams for related projects

Manage independent projects and collaborate with cross-functional teams , leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve key project goals.

Deliver effective presentations of technical data and project status, including experimental demonstrations of product mode of action.

Oversee and lead required product testing to reinforce claims substantiation initiatives and share results with key stakeholders. Abide by and follow all company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) , including those for product development, regulatory, and safety .

This role requires a scientist who is self-motivated and able to work well within a team environment , as well as being capable of managing multiple tasks with changing priorities

Required Qualifications

A minimum of Bachelor’s in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Food Science or related fields.

3+ years of experience formulating consumer products or food products

Experience with cGMP /GMP and GLP environments

Preferred Qualifications

• MS Degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biochemistry, Food Science or related fields.

Knowledge of equipment and procedures for making oral care formulations

Experience running stability studies for OTC/Drug products

Strong project planning and management experience

Knowledge of Regulatory environment across the globe

Knowledge of ICH/FDA guidelines for stability and testing of new drug products

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 . #LI-On-site