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:  Microbiologist
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  6/22/26
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #174369 - Morristown, Tennessee, United States

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.
 

Our Microbiologist is a vital guardian of product integrity, safety, and brand trust. You will be responsible for executing rigorous testing within our Micro Control Program, you will ensure every product leaving our facility conforms to the highest global Quality Standards. You will sit at the intersection of scientific precision and manufacturing agility, providing real-time data, driving continuous improvement, and cross-functionally partnering across the plant floor to uphold compliance and excellence.

 

Responsibilities

  • Perform precise microbiological testing of raw materials, work-in-process, water, air, equipment surfaces, and finished products following Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs) and the Micro Control Program.

  • Manage product and raw material micro-releases utilizing the SAP system; approve raw material shipments and verify compliance on Certificates of Analysis (CoAs).

  • Perform routine laboratory quality checks, controls, and media preparation. Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot standard laboratory equipment.

  • Maintain, calculate, and utilize KPIs and Statistical Process Control (SPC) systems to identify trends, draw conclusions, and drive positive site-wide change.

  • Lead comprehensive Failure Investigations and meticulously document Out-of-Specification (OOS) results.

  • Assist with Cleaning & Sanitization (C&S) validations for products/equipment and support the ongoing site-wide Control Point Monitoring program.

  • Train chemists, peer microbiologists, and temporary laboratory personnel in specialized micro-related techniques using QMICs and SOPs.

  • Deliver operator training on C&S, Micro Awareness, Swabbing, and Aseptic Sampling to technicians, building a plant-wide culture of quality.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Biology, Chemistry, or a closely related scientific field.

  • 1 to 2 years of practical microbiology laboratory experience (gained via professional industry experience or rigorous academic laboratory coursework)

  • Practical familiarity with general laboratory equipment (incubators, autoclaves, microscopes, water baths) and strict adherence to lab safety/chemical waste disposal

  • Ability and willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends and shift work, to best support facility needs and manufacturing projects

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proven ability to make sound technical decisions and communicate them effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes manufacturing environment

  • Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to balance multiple testing streams simultaneously without compromising accuracy

  • A natural curiosity for continuous improvement—using data to proactively spot trends before they become non-conformances


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $64,000.00 - $87,500.00 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 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.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.

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