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:  Scientist (Bar Soap)
Travel Required?:  Travel - 25% of time
Posting Start Date:  7/9/26
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #174704 - Del.Miguel Hidalgo, Mexico City, Mexico

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.
 

Role Summary

The R&D Scientist is responsible for leading the conceptualization, design, formulation, and data analysis of global technology development projects, with a strong focus on the Bar Soaps category. Operating at the intersection of science and innovation, this role translates consumer insights and scientific research into marketable finished products. The ideal candidate will combine hands-on laboratory formulation with advanced technical research—analyzing scientific literature, identifying patent opportunities, and leveraging AI tools—while seamlessly collaborating with global cross-functional partners to execute technology transfers.

 

Key Responsibilities

  • Formula Development & Lab Execution: Design, formulate, and optimize experimental formulations for bar soaps, conducting performance testing, stability evaluations, and claim-support research in the laboratory.

  • Scientific Research & Patent Analysis: Conduct deep-dive research into scientific literature and patent databases to identify emerging technologies, raw materials, and innovation opportunities for global product pipelines.

  • Global Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner directly with global teams to ensure efficient technology transfer and product feasibility.

  • AI & Digital Innovation: Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms, automation, and statistical tools to streamline data analysis, accelerate research workflows, and optimize formulation processes.

  • Data Synthesis & Documentation: Summarize research findings, write comprehensive technical reports, generate invention records/patent disclosures, and maintain meticulous lab notebooks in compliance with Quality and EOHS standards.

  • Quality & EOHS Compliance: Ensure all lab activities adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and safety protocols for handling hazardous materials, implementing corrective/preventive actions as needed.

 

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific discipline.

  • Experience: 2+ years of experience in Research & Development.

  • Systems & Tools: 

    • Hands-on experience with SAP / PDM (Product Data Management) and statistical software (Minitab).

    • Proficiency in Google Workspace tools.

    • Active interest in utilizing AI tools for research and data analysis.

  • Languages: Advanced English proficiency is mandatory (required for daily collaboration with global teams, reading technical papers, and writing patents).

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Advanced Education: Master’s Degree (M.Sc.) in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Science.

  • Statistical Mastery: Deep understanding of Advanced Applied Statistics, particularly Design of Experiments (DOE) applied to chemical formulations.

  • Category Expertise: Specific background or prior research in soap chemistry, surfactants, or bar soap manufacturing processes.

  • Core Mindset: Strong passion for scientific reading, literature research, and data-driven product design.


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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