Job Description

Established in 1806 as a small soap and candle business in New York City, Colgate-Palmolive is now a truly global company with products sold in over 200 countries and territories under such internationally recognized brand names as Colgate, Palmolive, Softsoap, Irish Spring, Protex, Sorriso, Kolynos, elmex, Tom's of Maine, Sanex, Ajax, Axion, Soupline, Haci Sakir, Suavitel, PCA SKIN, EltaMD, Filorga and Hello as well as Hill's Science Diet and Hill's Prescription Diet.

Colgate-Palmolive is a leading consumer products company that serves hundreds of millions of consumers worldwide with brands and products across four core businesses – Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care and Pet Nutrition. We are committed to offering products that make lives healthier and more enjoyable, and programs that enrich communities around the world.

Every day millions of people trust our products to care for themselves and the ones they love. Our goal is to use our technology to create products that will continue to improve the quality of life for our consumers wherever they live.

A career at 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.
Information at a Glance
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Job Title:  Research Scientist, Microbiology
Travel Required?:  No Travel
Posting Start Date:  2/9/26
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #171351 - Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Who We Are

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.
 

About the Role

We are looking for a Research Scientist, Microbiology who wants to have real impact on products used by millions of consumers at our Cali manufacturing plant. You will be the go-to expert for microbiological control, ensuring compliance with Colgate-Palmolive’s QS-23 standard and leading key microbiological analyses on the plant floor.

If you’re ready to grow your career in a global FMCG company recognized as a great place to work, come join us and help ensure safe, high-quality products at Colgate-Palmolive.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Ensure compliance with Microbiology Control Standard (QS-23) at the Cali plant.

  • Perform microbiological testing of raw materials, in-process samples, finished goods, water, surfaces, and environment.

  • Support Plant Microbiology activities: GMP walkabouts, micro-awareness trainings, and sampling.

  • Maintain the laboratory quality assurance and quality control systems, including method and material qualification.

  • Participate in failure investigations: sampling, data analysis, and recommendations.

  • Release products and raw materials in LIMS/SAP according to specifications.

  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date laboratory records (including second-level review).

  • Support IQ/OQ/PQ of lab instruments and equipment.

  • Lead or actively participate in the Micro Development Program (QMICs).

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Bacteriology, or a related field.

  • At least 2 years of experience in microbiological analysis in a manufacturing environment.

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

  • Intermediate English (reading, writing, and communication).

  • Experience applying GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices).

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong proactivity and sense of ownership.

  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.

  • Willingness and curiosity to learn new laboratory processes and technologies.


Our Commitment to Inclusion
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.


Equal Opportunity Employer
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 (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

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