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, Product Design (Analytical)
Travel Required?:  Travel - up to 10% of time
Posting Start Date:  1/20/26
Hybrid

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
Job Number #170796 - 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.
 

Our Product Design group is at the forefront of innovation, dedicated to enhancing the bond between pets and pet parents through the development of cutting-edge technologies in pet foods.  We take pride in our commitment to quality, ensuring that our premium wet and dry products not only meet, but exceed the expectations of pet parents.  

 

The Scientist, Product Design-Analytical located in Topeka, KS, will work in a laboratory setting and will be responsible for carrying out research to understand product performance to ascertain optimum product design in order to deliver quality products throughout their shelf life that delight our customers. 

This will involve innovative method development, executing studies, analysis of results, interpreting data, preparing final reports and communicating results.

This position will work closely with sensory, product development, packaging, quality, supply chain and manufacturing, regulatory and ingredient procurement colleagues to ensure success.

 

Key Responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with Scientists and Packaging Engineers to understand study requirements and determine the best study design to address research questions

  • Conduct research using various types of chromatography to investigate ingredients and products 

  • Analyze and interpret data and summarize into final reports with recommendations that are prepared for and presented to a wide variety of audiences

  • Develop and validate methods for investigating pet foods throughout their shelf life

  • Manage projects and studies to ensure successful execution

  • Lab maintenance and management including ongoing quality, safety and related training

 

Required qualifications:     

  • Minimum 3 Years of Animal or Food Industry Experience

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

 

Preferred qualifications:

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

  • Experience with lipid oxidation in food products and/ or interpreting data from Gas Chromatography in food research

  • Experience relating analytical and sensory results to provide product guidance that drives business results

  • Demonstrated understanding of food product performance research, food science principles, and shelf life testing

  • Pet food experience


Compensation and Benefits
Salary Range $89,000.00 - $100,000.00 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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