Postdoctoral Research Scientist - Surfactant and Colloid

Colgate • Piscataway, NJ

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Colgate-Palmolive invites applications from early-career PhD scientists for a postdoctoral research scientist position with a fixed two-year term at its Global Technology Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. The role investigates the fundamental colloid science, surfactant self-assembly, and interfacial phenomena underlying next-generation dentifrice formulations. Research focuses on replacing conventional alkyl sulfates with bio-based, mild surfactant platforms, particularly taurates and acyl amino acid surfactants.

The researcher will investigate multi-component phase behavior, thermodynamic interactions, and transport kinetics involving surfactants, therapeutic active agents, flavor oil emulsions, and mineral abrasive dispersions. The role also supports predictive formulation modeling and translates fundamental findings into product design rules through collaboration across research and development functions. The scientist will present findings, prepare technical reports and invention disclosures, and publish peer-reviewed research.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in Colloid and Interface Science, Chemical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, Soft Matter Physics, or a closely related STEM discipline.
• Fundamental knowledge of surfactant science, micellar phase equilibria, micro-emulsions, coacervation, dispersed-system physical chemistry, and ingredient interactions in complex systems.
• Hands-on experience with relevant instrumentation, including surface tensiometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta-potential analysis, optical foam morphometry, rheology, or interfacial dilatational rheometry.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, develop novel hypotheses, resolve complex formulation problems, and work in an agile, cross-functional corporate laboratory.

Nice To Haves

• Practical familiarity with surfactant applications in consumer products, including oral care, personal care, or cosmetics.
• Documented collaborative research projects spanning academic and industrial settings.
• Outstanding verbal presentation and written technical communication skills.
• A strong record of peer-reviewed first-author publications in recognized colloid and interfacial science journals.
• Experience with electron microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, or quantitative chromatography techniques such as HPLC and headspace analysis for monitoring flavor release and surfactant partitioning.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experimental protocols to characterize phase behavior, micro-emulsion structures, and self-assembly of taurate and amino acid-based surfactant systems for oral care applications.
• Investigate thermodynamic, electrostatic, and chemical interactions between surfactants and dentifrice components, including therapeutic cations, basic amino acids, fluoride sources, and inorganic abrasives.
• Build kinetic and thermodynamic models using the Hydrophilic-Lipophilic Deviation (HLD) framework to characterize flavor oil solubilization, micro-emulsion phase boundaries, and dynamic headspace partitioning under simulated oral dilution conditions.
• Integrate experimental rheological, tensiometric, and phase data into predictive machine-learning and computational thermodynamic models to support formulation design.
• Collaborate with Early Research, Formulation Development, Analytical Sciences, Clinical Research, and Intellectual Property teams to translate scientific findings into product design rules.
• Present research insights to internal R&D governance committees and author internal technical reports.
• Draft invention disclosures and publish peer-reviewed manuscripts in colloid and physical chemistry journals.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Disability coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions, subject to eligibility requirements
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days for salaried employees
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave in accordance with local laws

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree