Research Scientist

Job Title

Research Scientist - Sunscreen Formulation

Piscataway, New Jersey, United States

Up to 10% of time.

An integral member of the Sunscreen Product Development team, responsible for developing and launching global sunscreen and skin‑care products, substantiating product claims, and collaborating with both R&I and commercial stakeholders.

• Work with a team to develop and launch a global sunscreen and skin‑care strategic portfolio.
• Understand and manage the process for substantiating sunscreen and anti‑aging product claims.
• Propose and review claims and support claim substantiation.
• Serve as the R&D point of contact with commercial teams.
• Contribute to technical sunscreen sales support; interface with accounts and marketing teams for product launches and relaunches.
• Interact closely with R&I to identify new areas of perceived superiority in efficacy and claims.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to provide technical mentorship and support from product brief through launch.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry, or related field, or Engineering in Chemical or related discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in R&D.
• Broad laboratory experience, awareness of analytical techniques, and effective multi‑functional communication skills, with a collaborative approach to internal and external interactions.

• Master’s in Science or PhD in related subject.
• Strong project and leadership skills, supporting projects with diverse timelines and goals.
• Strong technical background in sunscreen formula development and evaluation, guiding all development phases from concept to commercialization.
• Outstanding understanding of product development using UV filters in multiple product formats (lotions, sticks, sprays, mists, serums, etc.).
• Experience using formula ingredients to improve sunscreen efficacy (dispersions, film formation, delivery systems) while maintaining cosmetic elegance; track record of patentable formulations.
• Expertise in global SPF, UVA, broad spectrum testing methods including FDA 21
  
  CFR, ISO 24444, ISO 24443, and PFA.
• Experience with overall skincare formulation and scale‑up, including stability, cosmetic elegance, efficacy, cost considerations.

Salary Range: $94,000.00 – $ USD. Compensation is based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for executive roles.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions. Additional benefits: minimum 15 vacation/PTO days, 13 paid holidays, paid sick leave in accordance with local laws.

We foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging and can contribute meaningfully to our business.

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, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities.