Research Scientist - X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy

Colgate•Piscataway, NJ

7d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Senior Research Scientist, you will serve as a central technical resource supporting the entire global Colgate-Palmolive portfolio by developing robust, state-of-the-art analytical platforms to characterize complex matrices. You will manage the advanced XPS Analysis laboratory and act as the technical arbiter of "Truth," ensuring every chemical claim made by Marketing is backed by statistically rigorous, publication-quality data. This role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead surface analysis research programs, drive external scientific recognition, and conduct competitive product teardowns. Your primary objective is to turn complex analytical results into "Visual Science" that substantiates product efficacy, supports patent filings, and defends data integrity during legal challenges.

Requirements

PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, or Materials Science with 2+ years of advanced laboratory experience (or a Master’s degree with 5+ years of advanced laboratory experience).
Direct hands-on experience in the operation, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of surface analysis instrumentation, specifically X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS).
Solid academic training paired with demonstrated creativity, strong problem-solving abilities, and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience in the operation and maintenance of Physical Electronics instrumentation, with a strong preference for VersaProbe instruments.
Technical knowledge of or direct working experience with alternative surface analytical techniques, particularly TOF-SIMS.
Prior professional or research experience involving consumer products or fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Responsibilities

Manages the daily operations of the XPS Analysis laboratory, establishing novel analytical protocols for active ingredients, stabilizers, and sensory molecules using XPS and BET technologies.
Utilizes surface analysis instrumentation to investigate product efficacy, active delivery, and modes of action by studying product effects on various surfaces from formulation through to packaging.
Provides "Rapid Response" root-cause analysis for stability failures or manufacturing deviations across categories, and leads competitive deformulation projects to reverse-engineer rival product performance.
Partners cross-functionally with Marketing to turn analytical data into clear visual evidence (e.g., demonstrating protective layers on enamel or skin) and acts as the primary technical lead for data integrity during legal challenges.
Provides critical characterization data required to prove novelty for new patent filings, while driving internal and external publications and conference presentations to showcase analytical leadership.