Principal Scientist - Animal Nutrition Innovation Colgate-Palmolive in Topeka, KS

Title:

Principal Scientist - Animal Nutrition Innovation

Location:

Topeka, KS, US

Department:
Research & Development

Travel Required?:
Travel - up to 10% of time

Hybrid

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

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.

• 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 medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a 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 is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

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