Princpal Scientist

Title: Princpal Scientist

Location: Topeka, KS, US

Department: Research & Development

Job Description:

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

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 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 oversee 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

• Manage 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

Key Standardizations & Optimizations

• Template Alignment: Converted legacy percentage tables, SAP codes, and isolated competency lists into the standardized 4-section layout: Role Summary, Responsibilities, Required Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications.

• Impact-Driven Responsibilities: Replaced task lists with 5 distinct, outcome-oriented bullets using active verbs (Lead, Integrate, Design, Manage, Cultivate) and removed internal administrative phrasing.

• Objective Qualifications: Restricted Required Qualifications exclusively to resume-assessable criteria (PhD, specific minimum YOE without ranges, technical methods) to avoid unintended candidate disqualification.

• Competency Integration: Shifted soft skills, LIFT principles, and leadership competencies (Driving Innovation, External Relationships, Fostering Experimentation) into Preferred Qualifications to be evaluated during interviews.

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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