Microbiology Scientist/Research Scientist

Colgate • Piscataway, NJ

19h • Onsite

About The Position

You will join our high-impact global team at the Piscataway campus to play a critical role in the microbiological approval process that ensures the safety and quality of Colgate products. By developing strong partnerships with Research and Development teams, you will influence the product development process through expert testing guidance and thorough results analysis. You have the unique opportunity to lead assessments of test results for new and modified formulas, directly contributing to the innovation and success of our categories.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field required
• Minimum 1-3 years functional experience in a microbiology laboratory required; manufacturing/industry/research & development experience preferred
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of microbiological testing procedures and laboratory processes and experience with common microbiology laboratory equipment
• Working knowledge and practical experience with good manufacturing practices and data integrity in a microbiology lab environment.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Biology, Microbiology, or related field
• Experience performing antimicrobial effectiveness testing and microbial limits testing comparable to USP 51, 60, 61, 62
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Ability to work independently and think critically with self driven progress on projects

Responsibilities

• Perform microbiological testing and assessment of results in accordance with standard procedures, including antimicrobial preservative efficacy testing, microbial limits testing, microbial challenge testing, and method suitability using traditional and rapid detection methodologies
• Support environmental monitoring program, including sampling/testing of water, air and surfaces.
• Lead Global Category partnerships with the product development team in the area of personal care/oral care by providing Microbiological Approval Process guidance for new and modified formulas
• Collaborate with the team on microbiology laboratory standardization programs including but not limited to QA and QC, lab equipment maintenance and qualification, overseeing media preparation, supporting and improving upon general laboratory compliance, etc.
• Execute laboratory investigations, including root cause analysis, and properly document out of specification results
• Author technical justifications, protocol, SOPs, and reports, including thorough interpretation, understanding, and presenting of data
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date and concise laboratory records following the principles of ALCOA
• Supports internal and external audits
• Additional tasks, as needed

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level