Senior Scientist – Hybrid | Topeka, Kansas | Full-Time
Job Description
Job Title and Overview
Job Title: Senior Scientist
Industry: Pet Nutrition / Food Science
Location: Topeka, Kansas, United States
Job Type: Full-Time (Hybrid)
Salary: $115,000 – $130,000 USD
Expected Hours: Full-time, with up to 10% travel required
Job Description
As a Senior Scientist at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, you will play a pivotal role in leading the development of premium wellness and therapeutic dog and cat food products. This position involves managing formula development, product scale-up, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure the successful execution of nutritional solutions. You will contribute to Hill’s mission of transforming pet families’ lives through scientifically backed nutrition by working with teams across quality, regulatory, supply chain, and ingredient procurement to deliver high-performing products.
Responsibilities of Senior Scientist
As a Senior Scientist, your key responsibilities will include:
- Product Development: Lead the creation of sole-source nutritional products that meet nutrient, ingredient, quality, and cost requirements.
- Validation: Coordinate and interpret product testing, including analytical, biological, palatability, sensory, and stability assessments to validate product performance.
- Specification Development: Develop ingredient and finished product specifications, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safety standards.
- Documentation: Create final formula documentation and supporting information for product launches.
- Collaboration: Build strong relationships with cross-functional teams, including Regulatory, Legal, Professional Veterinary Affairs, and Marketing, to provide input and guidance throughout the product development process.
- Innovation: Stay updated with new research findings and apply them to product design and development.
- External Relationships: Cultivate partnerships with external researchers and colleagues to integrate new ideas, capabilities, and technologies into Hill’s products.
- Compliance: Ensure adherence to company policies and industry standards.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Food Science, Food/Process Engineering, or a related scientific field.
Experience:
- At least 5 years of experience in the food industry.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in Food Science, Food/Process Engineering, or a related field.
- Experience in product design and development, preferably with sole-source nutritional products in the animal or human food industry.
- Understanding of formula development processes and food science principles.
- Basic knowledge of regulatory, product safety, and quality requirements relevant to this role.
- Demonstrated ability to design and run scientific experiments.
Skills:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and conceptual skills.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Proven ability to lead in a cross-functional environment with excellent interpersonal and team collaboration abilities.
Benefits
Colgate-Palmolive offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of employees and their families:
- Salary Range: $115,000 – $130,000 USD (based on experience, qualifications, and location).
- Bonus and Incentives: Employees may be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives, especially for executive-level roles.
- Health and Wellness:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
- Basic life insurance.
- Paid parental leave.
- Disability coverage.
- Retirement Benefits:
- Participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions (subject to eligibility).
- Time Off:
- Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days per year for salaried employees (prorated based on hire date).
- 13 paid holidays annually.
- Paid sick leave, with entitlements adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws.
- Additional Benefits:
- Support for professional development.
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources.
This comprehensive package is designed to promote both professional and personal well-being, helping employees thrive in their roles.
Shifts for Senior Scientist
The Senior Scientist role is a Hybrid position, allowing a blend of remote and on-site work at the Topeka, Kansas location.
Shifts are typically daytime hours with some flexibility based on project needs and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Occasional travel, up to 10% of the time, may be required to attend meetings, conferences, or off-site projects.
How to Apply
To apply for the Senior Scientist position, please visit the Colgate-Palmolive career portal at the following link:
Senior Scientist – Colgate Careers
Work Authorization
For this position, visa sponsorship is not provided. Applicants must have legal authorization to work.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate-Palmolive 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 (for U.S. positions), or any other characteristic protected by law. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment that encourages diversity in all its forms. Colgate-Palmolive believes in fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.
Special Note: Colgate-Palmolive provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the application process. Please complete our accommodation request form if assistance is needed.
Company Overview
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global leader in consumer products, specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Operating in over 200 countries, our brands are trusted by millions of households worldwide. With a rich history spanning 200+ years, we are dedicated to reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and the planet.
Join us and be a part of a company that values integrity, creativity, and excellence in everything we do.
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