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:  Junior Microbiologist
Travel Required?:  No Travel
Posting Start Date:  6/30/26
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #174430 - Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, Brazil

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.
 

Position: Junior Microbiologist 

Job Location: Sao Bernardo do Campo, SP, BRA 

Role Summary

Technical and strategic role focused on implementing plans for assessing new and modified formulas to ensure all products and processes meet minimal robustness and microbiological approval standards. The main focus is to develop, validate, and execute methodologies for releasing raw materials and finished products, while establishing a comprehensive Manufacturing Micro Control program (covering water systems, cleaning & sanitization, and critical control points). The role aims to mitigate biological risks, maintain laboratory quality assurance systems, and provide specialized microbiology training to cross-functional teams to ensure total compliance with global quality and safety guidelines.

Main Responsibilities

  • Formula Assessment & Robustness: Support the implementation of plans to assess new and modified formulas, ensuring compliance with minimal robustness standards (QMIC 0037) and testing products for preservative effectiveness.

  • Manufacturing Micro Control Program: Develop and implement control programs across the manufacturing pilot plant, managing raw materials (QMIC 0047), water systems (QMIC 0030), cleaning & sanitization (GQS 045), and Control Point Monitoring (CPM) using the Micro Susceptibility Index to map risks.

  • Microbiological Testing & Execution: Perform routine and specialized microbiological testing in accordance with standard procedures (QMICs) to guarantee new products meet all microbiological control requirements (QS 023).

  • Method Validation & Transfer: Conduct method validation testing (including conventional and rapid methodologies like Celsis) to be transferred to manufacturing sites for raw material analysis and product release.

  • Data Integrity & Compliance: Maintain accurate, concise, and up-to-date laboratory records; review and implement new/revised global procedures (QMICs) within 45 days, and ensure data validity for QA systems.

  • Investigation & Corrective Actions: Participate in failure investigations, collect necessary samples, and execute applicable preventive or corrective actions regarding laboratory findings or EHS incidents.

  • Environmental & System Monitoring: Perform sampling and testing of water, environmental air, compressed air, and surface swabs, while supporting the annual stability testing and culture maintenance programs.

  • Lab Maintenance & Calibration: Participate in the calibration and qualification program for all laboratory equipment and instruments, and write/update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

  • Training & Knowledge Sharing: Develop and deliver microbiology training modules for microbiologists, pilot plant operators, Product Development (PD), and Innovation & Support (I&S) groups.

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor's Degree completed in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Pharmaceutical, Biology Chemistry, Biomedicine or a related major.

  • Experience: Solid experience  in Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic, or Industrial laboratories, with a proven track record in functional microbiological testing and validation.

  • Language: Intermediate  English.

  • Tools: Proficiency in Google Suite and solid knowledge of analytical, basic statistics, and mathematics.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Post-graduate degree (Master's Degree in Microbiology or Biochemistry).

  • Advanced understanding of Product Development processes within a Global Technology Center (GTC) environment.

  • Strong leadership competencies in teamwork, collaboration, and continuous improvement.


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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