Principal Scientist; Clinical Studies & Claims

Principal Scientist (Clinical Studies & Claims)

6 days ago – Be among the first 25 applicants.

Colgate‑Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand worldwide, covering Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires people to achieve common goals for a healthier future for people, pets, and the planet.

Hill's Pet Nutrition, a global leader in evidence‑based pet health, is seeking a highly accomplished Principal Scientist, Clinical Studies & Claims to join our Science & Technology organization at the Pet Nutrition Innovation Center in Topeka, Kansas.

Topeka, Kansas, United States. Base pay range: $ – $ USD per year. Relocation assistance offered within the country.

In this high‑impact role you will be a key driver in elevating Hill's commitment to exceptional product quality, earning the trust of veterinarians and pet parents worldwide through clinical research and claims development.

• Play a pivotal role in mentoring and developing scientists, fostering a collaborative, innovative research environment, and nurturing the next generation of scientific talent.
• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to timelines, efficient resource allocation, and accountability for high‑quality deliverables.
• Develop and maintain strong, constructive relationships across Hill's research and development, regulatory, legal, and marketing teams.
• Provide essential nutrition input and guidance, leveraging your clinical research experience in companion animal case management and deep understanding of companion animal physiology and pathology to inform and guide development efforts and nutritional solutions through clinical trials.
• Assist in the development of compelling, scientifically sound product claims.
• Apply your profound nutrition expertise and innovative mindset to drive the development of groundbreaking nutrition claims relevant to pet owners, pet parents, and veterinary professionals.
• Ensure all Hill's products and claims align with our core nutrition philosophy, integrating scientific findings into clinical trial design and implementation, actionable product applications, global nutrition standards, and market‑relevant claims.
• Apply proficiency in data analysis methods relevant to clinical nutrition research to derive meaningful insights.
• Ensure compliance with global regulatory standards related to pet nutrition, including FEDIAF and AAFCO regulations.

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree with a Ph.D. in a relevant animal nutrition studies or Credentialed Veterinary Nutrition Board Certification (e.g., DACVN, DECVA).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in clinical research and publication, demonstrating a track record as a seasoned researcher.
• Proven experience mentoring and developing scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis methods and application of basic statistical analysis to research studies.

• Specialization in companion animal nutrition during the Ph.D. or clinical internal medicine program.
• 5+ years of clinical practice experience in companion animal case management.
• Experience navigating global regulatory standards related to companion animal nutrition.

Salary range: $145,000 – $175,000 USD. Additional components may include discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, 401(k) with company matching, minimum 15 vacation days, 13 paid holidays, and paid sick leave in accordance with local laws.

Colgate‑Palmolive is an equal opportunity employer. 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.

We develop strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers worldwide and foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging.