Job Description

A part of Colgate-Palmolive since 1976, Hill's Pet Nutrition offers the highest-quality pet nutrition available through product lines Prescription Diet® and Science Diet®. Veterinarians worldwide recommend and feed their own pets Hill's products more than any other brand of pet food.

Available in approximately 80 countries around the world, our extensive line of products includes more than 60 Prescription Diet brand pet foods and more than 50 Science Diet brand pet foods.

We believe all animals should be loved and cared for during their lifetimes. That is why we are proud our pet foods can make a difference in your pet's life.

A career at Hill’s Pet Nutrition or 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
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  5/26/26
On-site

No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #173546 - Topeka, Kansas, 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.
 

Role Summary 

The Scientist, Product Development located in Topeka, KS, will play a critical role in all elements of formula development and production scale-up of foods for dogs and cats. This position will be responsible for delivering projects to help support global growth and brand equity. This position will work closely with quality, regulatory, supply chain, and ingredient procurement colleagues to ensure successful project development and scale-up is achieved. The ideal candidate will have strong people and project management skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of food product commercialization and ingredient functionality.  

 

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of sole-source nutritional solutions that deliver against specified nutrient, ingredient, quality & cost requirements

  • Validation of product performance through coordination & interpretation of product analytical, biological, palatability, sensory, and stability testing

  • Development of ingredient and finished product specifications and the creation of all final formula documentation and supporting information

  • Provide support for executing pilot and full-scale plant trials to ensure seamless product commercialization and formula integrity. 

 

Required qualifications:  

  • Minimum 3 years of working experince in the Animal or Food Industry

  • Bachelors Degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Food Engineering or related field

 

Preferred qualifications:

  • MS in Food Science, Nutrition, Biochemistry, Food Engineering or related field

  • Experience in product design and development (Preferably sole source nutritional products in animal/human food industry)

  • Least cost formula development understanding & experience

  • Food science knowledge for optimal product design and functionality

  • Experience designing and running scientific experiments

 


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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