Research Scientist - Oral Care Formulation

Job Number #175816 — Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

About the role

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. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals.

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.

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 escalate 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Excellent computer skills (Google suite, MS Office, SAP, etc.).

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.

Pay

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

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage.
• Participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements.
• 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 adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws; detailed entitlements provided upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.