Principal Microbiologist

About the role

This position is with our Consumer Brands business unit – where we empower our employees to bring the best Laundry & Home Care and Hair products to people around the world. The role is responsible for overseeing R&D microbiological testing, advancing complex study design, and ensuring alignment with both regulatory expectations and manufacturing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead microbiological support across multiple Product Development teams, ensuring product preservation and antibacterial efficacy strategies are scientifically robust and fit-for-purpose.
• Oversee R&D microbiological testing, ensuring alignment with regulatory expectations, product risk, and business needs.
• Design and oversee advanced microbiological studies (e.g., preservative efficacy, time kill, Healthcare Personnel Handwash) to support formula development and claims substantiation, including antibacterial claims.
• Provide expert interpretation of FDA monographs and global regulatory guidance, translating requirements into actionable development and testing strategies.
• Lead cross-functional partnerships with Quality, Hygiene, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to assess microbiological risk, support root cause investigations, and translate complex microbiological data into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists, elevating overall microbiology capability and ensuring knowledge transfer across the organization.
• Lead strategic technical initiatives, such as microbiology laboratory capability expansion.
• Represent the organization in external industry groups and serve as a recognized microbiology delegate.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology or related biological science (advanced degree preferred).
• Extensive industry experience (10+ years) in microbiology, with demonstrated expertise in antibacterial product development, preservation, and regulatory compliance.
• Deep knowledge of FDA regulatory frameworks, including interpretation and application to product development and claims.
• Proven experience designing and leading complex microbiological studies and translating results into defensible business decisions.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing microbiology, hygiene systems, and microbiological risk management in production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and represent the organization externally.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to distill complex microbiological concepts into clear, persuasive messaging.
• Strong leadership, mentoring, and strategic thinking capabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in product development and claims substantiation.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and their application to product development.
• Ability to lead and mentor scientific teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Skills

• Expertise in microbiology, particularly in antibacterial product development and preservation.
• Strong understanding of FDA regulatory frameworks and global guidelines.
• Experience in designing and conducting complex microbiological studies.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Leadership and mentoring abilities.

Benefits

The benefits package includes health insurance, paid time off, flexible work policies, and a variety of professional development opportunities. The salary range for this role is $110,000-120,000.00, with potential for incentive pay or other forms of compensation.

Pay

$110,000 - $120,000.00 per year

Schedule

Full-time