Princpal Scientist

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, making us a household name. Join us—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.

About the role

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

• Lead the strategic research pipeline to identify, evaluate, and commercialize next-generation nutritional technologies that establish long-term competitive market advantages
• 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

Requirements

• 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

Pay

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

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance
• Paid parental leave, disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions (subject to eligibility requirements)
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on hire date within the calendar year)
• Paid sick leave adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws

Relocation assistance offered within country.