Principal Scientist - Animal Nutrition Innovation

Principal Scientist
- Animal Nutrition Innovation Job Alerts Link Job Description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or Colgate-Palmolive is an excellent opportunity if you seek a global experience, constant challenge, and development opportunities in an environment that respects work/life effectiveness.

Job Title:

Principal Scientist
- Animal Nutrition Innovation

Travel Required:

Travel – up to 10% of time

Posting

Start Date:

8/19/26

Hybrid

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

Job Number#175150 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

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, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, 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. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

As a Principal Scientist on the Nutrition Innovation team, you will lead short- and long-term nutritional 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 support cross‑functional research initiatives from concept to commercialization, shaping the future of pet health and driving a continuous pipeline of innovation.

• 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

• Support 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

• 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

• 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

Salary Range $ - $ 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:
Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including…